KwaZulu-Natal committee hears bill proposing higher gaming taxes
Regulation2 min read
KwaZulu-Natal’s Finance Portfolio Committee began public hearings on the province’s 2026 gaming and betting tax bill in Pietermaritzburg on 10 November. Goldrush Gaming Group executive Katleho Thejane warned that proposed increases of more than 300% could lead to industry closures; further hearings are scheduled for 1 December and 2 December, with written comments accepted until 15 January 2027.
Public hearings are under way in KwaZulu-Natal on a bill to raise gaming and betting taxes. The provincial legislature’s Finance Portfolio Committee opened the hearings in Pietermaritzburg on 10 November, with the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Tax Bill, 2026, under consideration.
Casinos, bingo, bookmaking and horse racing would be covered by the bill’s taxes, alongside additional levies. The measure would update the provincial framework and bring it into line with national law. The province would receive the revenue, with a portion earmarked for a proposed Gaming and Betting Transformation Fund supporting emerging operators. Tax proceeds from horse racing would return to the equine sector, especially traditional racing called Umtelebhelo.
Casino and bingo operators were already struggling with Covid-19’s effects, legal disputes and competition from online gambling, Goldrush Gaming Group executive Katleho Thejane told the committee. He warned that approval of tax increases exceeding 300% could shut down the industry. Some branches were closing, he said, and the proposed increases could leave the provincial government with no revenue.
Rural horse racing lacks infrastructure, funding and technical expertise despite supporting higher standards, racecourse operator Nqobile Kunene said. She urged that those needs be addressed before further standards and rules are set. The bill won support from Tim Brauteseth, provincial finance spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance, a party in the provincial governing coalition. He said it would prevent loopholes or misinterpretation from costing potential revenue.
A capacity crowd filled the chamber as Neli Shezi presented the bill; she is deputy director general at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury. Provincial finance minister Francois Rodgers had tabled the measure in June. Public interest in the first hearing was significant, committee chair Mthandeni Dlungwana said.
Separately, National Treasury has proposed taxing online betting and interactive gambling operators at 20% of gross gambling revenue, in addition to provincial taxes. Consultations were continuing on matters including the effects on provinces and the regulated market, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in his 21 October medium-term budget statement. He said the final design would be announced in the February 2027 budget.
Further provincial hearings are scheduled in Dundee on 1 December and Richards Bay on 2 December, with written comments open until 15 January 2027.