R3m in illegal gambling proceeds forfeited under National Gambling Act

The National Gambling Board (NGB), in the execution of its statutory mandate under the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act 7 of 2004) (NGA), continues to take enforcement measures to combat unlawful gambling activities in South Africa.

Section 16 of the NGA empowers the NGB to investigate the circumstances of unlawful gambling activities, including unlawful online gambling.

Upon the determination of an unlawful gambling activity, the NGB applies to the High Court for an order declaring that the unlawful winnings derived from the unlawful gambling activity be forfeited to the State.

To give effect to Section 16 of the NGA, between April 1 2025, and April 10 2026, subject to investigations conducted, various amounts identified as proceeds from unlawful gambling activities were, by order of the High Court, forfeited to the State.

The consolidated amount forfeited during this period is approximately R3 075 000, comprising:

• Approximately R775 000 was forfeited to the State during the 2025/26 financial year (April 1 2025 to March 31 2026); and
• Approximately R2 300 000 was forfeited as at April 10 2026 during the 2026/27 financial year (April 1 2026 to March 31 2027).

The consolidated amount of approximately R3 075 000 was deemed proceeds from unlawful gambling activities that have been derived in contravention of the NGA.

Consequently, the High Court ordered that the various amounts be forfeited to the State in accordance with Section 16 of the NGA.

“The forfeiture of proceeds derived from unlawful gambling activities demonstrates the NGB’s continued commitment to enforcing the NGA and supporting lawful and accountable gambling practices in South Africa.

“These enforcement measures serve to protect the public and reinforce the consequences associated with unlawful gambling activities,” said the acting CEO of the NGB, Lungile Dukwana.

“This outcome further underscores the importance of a coordinated regulatory and judicial approach in protecting the public and maintaining the credibility of South Africa’s gambling industry. We remain committed to ensuring that all gambling activities take place within a legal, regulated, and accountable environment.”

The NGB therefore urges members of the public to exercise caution when participating in gambling activities, particularly by not gambling on platforms that are not licensed in South Africa.

In terms of Section 16 of the NGA, any winnings derived from unlawful gambling activities may be declared unlawful proceeds and forfeited to the State by order of the High Court.

Individuals who engage with illegal online gambling operators therefore risk losing all winnings obtained through such activities, with no legal protection or recourse available.

The NGB encourages the public to verify whether a gambling operator is legally licensed before gambling and to only participate in gambling activities conducted within South Africa’s regulated legal framework.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify the status of gambling operators through the NGB Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal, available on the NGB website at www.ngb.org.za/verified-operators/, before participating in gambling activities and to report any suspicious or illegal gambling activities by contacting the NGB switchboard on 010 003 3475 or sending an email to info@ngb.org.za.

Alternatively, any suspicious or illegal gambling activity must be reported to the relevant Provincial Licensing Authority within the province in which such activities have been identified.