South Africa to Review Safeguards Around Online Gambling Access With Telecoms Regulator

South Africa’s government is set to examine whether existing protections are doing enough to protect consumers from the risks linked to online gambling.

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Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said he will engage with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to assess both the effectiveness of current safeguards and whether operators are meeting their obligations.

The issue was raised in Parliament by Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, who asked whether additional measures were being considered to address gambling and betting vouchers purchased through mobile network providers.

In his response, Malatsi noted that gambling activities already fall under the National Gambling Act and relevant provincial legislation, which set out the regulatory and licensing framework for the sector.

Malatsi acknowledged the need to strengthen consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable groups and lower-income households that may be more exposed to the social and financial harms associated with irresponsible gambling.

“Accordingly, where a mobile network or mobile platform is used merely as a channel through which a consumer purchases or accesses a betting or gambling voucher, this does not in itself make the underlying gambling product an electronic communications service regulated by ICASA,” Malatsi said, according to an IOL report.

Communications Ministry and ICASA committed to responsible gambling growth in SA

Malatsi said his engagement with ICASA will look at whether the regulator’s current consumer protection rules are strong enough and whether further action is needed within its mandate.

He noted that ICASA already oversees electronic communications and premium-rated services, including rules that require licensees to ensure third-party providers meet consumer protection standards.

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According to the minister, any safeguards linked to gambling or betting vouchers will depend on how those services are offered and whether they fall within ICASA’s regulatory scope. He also stressed that age restrictions and participation rules remain the responsibility of South Africa’s gambling laws and regulators.

“More broadly, the department has a responsibility to help ensure that South Africa’s digital environment is safe, responsible and contributes positively to the social and economic wellbeing of its citizens,” he added.

“I am committed to ensuring that the department plays its part, together with ICASA and the relevant authorities responsible for gambling regulation, in addressing harmful practices facilitated through digital platforms and communications networks.”

SA’s gambling and unemployment concerns

The proposed review comes amid ongoing concerns about gambling participation and addiction in the country. In August, the National Gambling Board (NGB) sounded an alarm after Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey showed unemployment rising from 32.7% in the first quarter to 33.6% in the second, leaving about 8.5 million people without work.

South Africans also spent R1.5 trillion on gambling activities during the 2024/25 financial year, a R400 billion increase from the year before, according to the NGB.

“I will therefore engage ICASA on what measures can appropriately be taken within its regulatory mandate where electronic communications networks and services are used to facilitate access to gambling and betting products,” Malatsi stated.

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