Regulatory bodies in South Africa are set to increase their focus on gambling marketing and advertising practices following a directive to establish a new monitoring body. The move aims to address challenges posed by the proliferation of online gambling content and combat illegal activities in the digital space.

Parks Tau, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, has ordered his department to initiate the process for the appointment of a National Gambling Policy Council. As reported by iGaming Times, this marks a significant step towards revitalising the country’s approach to gambling oversight, as the Council has been operationally hiatus since 2018.

The formation of the Council is intended to support a new strategy focused on tackling issues within the gambling marketing landscape. Key goals of this strategy include the eradication of illegal online gambling advertisements and providing greater clarity and structure within the overall gambling framework.

Updating Parliament on the situation, Minister Tau highlighted concerns regarding current advertising practices. While the existing National Gambling Act prohibits the placement of advertisements primarily directed at persons under the age of 18, the Minister noted an issue surrounding the sponsorship of family-friendly programmes by major bookmakers. This practice, he stated, results in an increased visibility and frequency of gambling content during shows that are predominantly viewed by minors.

The increased focus on regulation comes amidst rising gambling engagement across South Africa. The current regulatory environment, described by the Minister as having different approaches across provinces with some being more relaxed, has contributed to South African players increasingly engaging with operators based outside the country, often those operating illegally.

Minister Tau stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that there is a clear intention to ensure that online gambling is effectively regulated. He observed that the surge in illegal online gambling activities and the widespread advertising associated with them, which often targets vulnerable populations, has created new challenges for regulators. The Minister stressed that the convergence of technology, consumer behaviour, and regulatory frameworks necessitates a “robust response” to these challenges.

Highlighting the economic scale of the sector, an NGB report indicated that R1.1 trillion (approximately £41 billion) was wagered during the Financial Year 2024, underscoring the significant financial activity and potential economic opportunity within the country’s gambling landscape. As part of the renewed regulatory effort, the Minister also indicated a desire to ensure that resources are directed towards the rehabilitation of individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

In conclusion, the order to form the National Gambling Policy Council and the stated focus on addressing online marketing practices and combating illegal gambling signal a determined effort by South Africa’s regulatory bodies to update their approach to the evolving digital gambling environment. The initiative aims to bring greater clarity to the framework, protect vulnerable citizens from harmful advertising and illegal operations, and potentially gain better control over the economic activity within the market.