National Gambling Board

If you're gambling in South Africa—whether it's at a local casino or betting on sports—you’re playing under one of the strictest regulatory systems on the continent. And that's a good thing.

The National Gambling Board (NGB) exists to keep things fair, legal, and safe for both players and operators. Whether you’re spinning slots at a land-based casino or betting on horse racing online, chances are the NGB has helped make that possible—and secure.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how the NGB works, what it regulates, and what it means for you as a South African player. I’ll also share my thoughts on the good, the not-so-good, and what to watch out for when choosing where to play.

By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/04/11 - Estimated reading time: 6 minutes.

» Evolution of the South African Gambling Industry
» The National Gambling Board of South Africa
» Compliance with the National Gambling Board
» Research Duties
» International Relations
» Responsible Gambling
» What the NGB Means for South African Players
» Conclusion
» Frequently Asked Questions About the National Gambling Board (NGB) in South Africa

Evolution of the South African Gambling Industry

Gambling in South Africa goes back to the 1600s, with regulation introduced in 1673. At first, gambling was mostly banned. It wasn’t until 1965 that betting on horse racing became legal, as it was recognised as a sporting activity.

In the 1970s, casinos started popping up in bantustans like Bophuthatswana and Transkei. These areas weren’t accessible to most South Africans. By the early 1990s, there were over 2,000 illegal casinos operating across the country.

The democratic changes in 1994 brought new regulations. The National Gambling Act of 1996 was passed to legalise and control gambling properly. It introduced licensed casinos, a national lottery, and clear standards for operations.

The National Gambling Board of South Africa

Formed under the 1996 National Gambling Act, the National Gambling Board (NGB) became the main regulator for gambling in South Africa. The board ensures fair play, safety, and compliance across the industry.

Its vision is to make South Africa an example of responsible, well-managed gambling. Its mission is to oversee all activity in line with the National Gambling Act of 2004 and amendments.

Supervise provincial gambling authorities
Maintain a registry of all gambling devices
Fight illegal gambling activity
Support responsible gambling practices
Research the impact of gambling and trends

Compliance with the National Gambling Board

Following the rules is not just expected—it's required. The NGB makes sure that all gambling operators play by the book. That means licensed casinos must follow national rules, and unlicensed ones face shutdowns.

Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA)

Operators must verify players through FICA. It helps stop money laundering and crime. All players must confirm their identity when signing up at casinos. The NGB also works with the Money Laundering Advisory Council.

Testing and Certification

Every gambling machine, whether physical or digital, has to be tested. RNGs in online games need to be certified. The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) authorises the labs that check these machines.

Provincial Authority Oversight

Each province has its own gambling board. The NGB makes sure they apply the same rules everywhere. That ensures players get the same standards, no matter where they are.

Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board
Gauteng Gambling Board
Limpopo Gambling Board
Mpumalanga Gambling Board
Free State Gambling and Racing Board
North-West Gambling Board
Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
KwaZulu-Natal Gambling and Racing Board

Research Duties

The NGB studies how gambling affects South Africans. They look at economic impact, social issues, and gambling habits. This data helps adjust laws and strategies, so regulation stays relevant and effective.

International Relations

Even though South Africa blocks most online casinos, international cooperation still matters. The NGB helps build these relationships through the Gambling Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF). It allows regulators to share policies, discuss common issues, and improve together.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be fun, not harmful. That’s why the NGB supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP). This programme offers player education, 24/7 counselling, and rehab support when needed.

The NRGP is seen as one of the most advanced systems in the world, blending public and private resources. I think it adds a huge layer of protection for players here.

Popular Casino Games in South Africa

South Africans love classic games like blackjack, roulette, and slots. While online casinos are banned, land-based casinos and licensed sports betting platforms offer many options. Most sites also include live dealer experiences and themed slots for added excitement.

Payment Methods for South African Players

Trusted casinos offer local payment methods like EasyEFT, SID, and traditional bank transfers. E-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz are also common.

I always look for sites that support South African Rand (ZAR), as it helps avoid conversion fees. Not all casinos do this, so it’s a good point to check when signing up.

What the NGB Means for South African Players

The NGB works behind the scenes to protect us. When I go to a land-based casino, I know the machines are certified and fair. If I bet on horse racing or sports online, I make sure it’s with a licensed operator.

The rules aren’t just for show—they help us avoid scams and unfair games. The NGB monitors the entire system, and that gives me peace of mind when I play.

Conclusion

South Africa’s gambling industry isn’t the Wild West—it’s a tightly controlled environment built on legal backing. With the National Gambling Act and the National Gambling Board guiding the way, players can enjoy peace of mind, and operators must stay compliant.

I’ve found that by sticking to licensed casinos and knowing my rights, gambling can stay fun and safe. That’s the future the NGB is pushing for—and honestly, it’s one I support.

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Gambling Board

What does the National Gambling Board (NGB) do?

The NGB oversees gambling activity in South Africa. It ensures operators follow legal standards, tests equipment for fairness, supervises provincial boards, and promotes responsible gambling. From my experience, this means players can expect more fairness and fewer scams when gambling legally in the country.

Is online gambling allowed in South Africa?

Only licensed online sports betting and horse racing are allowed. Online casino gambling is still banned. I always stick to legal options like licensed bookmakers to stay on the safe side.

How can I check if a casino is licensed?

Licensed casinos usually display their certification from a provincial gambling board. I also check the NGB’s site or contact them if I’m unsure. That small step helps avoid unregulated sites that may not follow fair gaming practices.

What happens if I play on an illegal site?

You risk losing your money, and there’s no protection or way to file a complaint. The NGB can’t help if the site isn’t registered under South African law. I always recommend sticking with local, licensed platforms to stay protected.

What is the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)?

It’s a service funded by the industry and supported by the NGB to help players manage problem gambling. It includes education, a counselling line, and free treatment. I’ve seen first-hand how effective it is at offering support when gambling stops being fun.

Can I use ZAR when gambling online?

Yes, many licensed platforms accept South African Rand. This helps avoid currency exchange fees. It’s one of the first things I check when registering at a betting site—it makes banking smoother and cheaper.