The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has issued a stark warning to social media influencers and unlicensed operators, intensifying its crackdown on non-compliant digital advertising. Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana stated that the board has observed a “prevalence of gambling-related advertising that contravenes the National Gambling Act,” specifically targeting promotions shared by influencers that mislead the public or fail to include mandatory harm warnings. This move is a direct response to the country’s gambling boom, where participation has doubled since 2017, with 65.7% of adults now gambling.
Key Violations Cited:
- Targeting Minors: Ads that use imagery or language appealing to underage audiences.
- False Inducements: Promotions that falsely advertise gambling as “free” or at heavily discounted rates without clear terms.
- Missing Warnings: Failure to include the required statement warning against the dangers of addictive and compulsive gambling.
Public Call to Action:
The NGB has launched a public reporting campaign, urging citizens to submit screenshots of suspicious ads via email or WhatsApp. The timing coincides with the National Treasury’s controversial proposal for a 20% national online gambling tax, which the Free Market Foundation argues could inadvertently fuel this unregulated market further.
