Illegal offshore gambling is growing rapidly in South Africa. Most players do not know how big the problem really is. The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) says unlicensed offshore sites now handle most local online betting.
In July 2026, SABA asked lawmakers for urgent action. It wants new rules, not more talk. Sean Coleman, SABA’s CEO, says South Africa cannot wait any longer. This guide covers the key numbers. It also covers SABA’s plan and what it means for you as a player.
Why SABA Is Sounding the Alarm
Illegal offshore gambling sites work outside South African law. They pay no local tax. No one checks them, so players get little to no protection if things go wrong. Coleman says the argument has moved on. The real question is no longer if South Africa can act. It is how fast South Africa will act.
SABA has spent months talking with the National Gambling Board (NGB) and other groups. These talks covered gaps in the law and lessons from other countries. The NGB has already made one move: it hired a service provider to track and block illegal gambling sites.
The Scale of South Africa’s Illegal Gambling Market
The numbers tell the story.
| Metric | Figure |
| Share of SA online gambling activity that is illegal | 62% |
| Gross gambling revenue diverted offshore each year | R50 billion+ |
| South Africans who used illegal platforms in the past year | 16 million |
| Illegal gambling websites blocked in Australia since 2017 | 1,500+ |
| Operators that withdrew from the Australian market | 225+ |
A firm called Yield Sec produced these numbers for SABA back in November 2024. Illegal sites now take almost two out of every three rand bet online in South Africa. Licensed bookmakers pay tax, illegal sites do not.
SABA’s Reform Proposals
SABA does not just want site blocking. It wants bigger changes to the law. SABA has put forward six proposals.
- Change the National Gambling Act. Give it a clear definition of an offshore operator that targets South Africans and let the law reach across borders.
- Change the Electronic Communications Act. Build clear rules for blocking sites, with a judge checking each case and a public list of banned operators.
- Use the Financial Intelligence Centre Act and the Reserve Bank to cut off banks, payment providers, and crypto platforms from illegal sites.
- Punish local affiliates, marketers, and payment helpers who knowingly work with illegal sites.
- Stop illegal sites from advertising through affiliate networks, influencers, and other online platforms.
- Build one central team to track illegal gambling activity and follow suspicious money movements.
SABA also points to Australia. Since 2017, Australia has blocked more than 1,500 illegal gambling and affiliate sites, according to figures from its regulator. More than 225 operators have since left the Australian market.
Where ISPA Disagrees
Not everyone wants to move at the same speed. The Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) shared its view on 2 July 2026. ISPA says it does not oppose blocking sites in principle.
However, ISPA wants clear laws in place first. It wants a judge involved and a formal way to check each blocking order. Without that, ISPA warns, the courts could strike blocking orders down.
SABA agrees that safeguards matter. Still, Coleman says South Africa should stop talking and start building the rules. SABA wants speed. ISPA wants process.
What This Means for South African Players
Right now, players carry most of the risk. Illegal sites will not help you if a withdrawal gets stuck. They also skip South Africa’s rules on safe, responsible gambling.
Before you sign up anywhere, check for a valid South African licence. Look for clear rules on withdrawals and account checks too. If a site hides its licence, walk away. If you’re unsure which operators are licensed, compare trusted South African betting sites before opening an account.
Conclusion
South Africa’s illegal gambling market is not going away on its own. SABA wants faster action, while ISPA wants stronger safeguards first. Either way, these numbers show why change cannot wait. Until the law changes, your safest option is to play only with licensed South African gambling sites that follow local regulations and offer proper player protections.
Want to stay informed? Follow our latest South African gambling news or browse the best online casinos in South Africa to find trusted, licensed operators and responsible gambling resources.
