Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi says he will engage the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) about consumer safeguards for online gambling, and about whether operators are complying. He was answering a parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, as reported by IOL on 9 October.
What the minister said
Malatsi said the National Gambling Act and provincial laws set the licensing framework for gambling. Buying or accessing a gambling voucher over a mobile network "does not in itself make the underlying gambling product an electronic communications service regulated by ICASA", he said. He would consider whether ICASA's consumer protection measures are adequate and whether more can be done within its mandate.
"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," Malatsi said.
The numbers behind the question
IOL cites National Gambling Board figures of R1.1 trillion spent on gambling in 2023/24 and R1.5 trillion in 2024/25, a rise of R400 billion in a year.
What it means for you
Nothing changes today. The provincial boards still license the operators we list, and ICASA does not. The useful step for players is the same as before: check that your operator appears on the NGB verified operators list, and set a deposit limit in your account. Our legal guide explains how the licensing works.