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South Africa’s National Gambling Board adviser says betting share reaches 50%

Regulation

Caroline Kongwa, chief strategic adviser to South Africa’s National Gambling Board, said the betting sector accounts for 50% of the country’s R47bn gambling industry, up from 23% before the pandemic. She said casino profits remained at pre-pandemic levels and the board was considering how to balance online access with protection from gambling harm.

Operators and regulators must account for betting’s larger share while the board considers consumer-protection measures.

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Regulation

South Africa considers 20% national tax on online gambling GGR

South Africa’s National Treasury is still discussing a proposed 20% national tax on online gambling gross gaming revenue, according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 21 October statement. Lawyers Garron Whitesman and Wayne Lurie estimate the combined burden could reach 38–40% of GGR; the proposal is not enacted, and its final design is expected in the February 2027 budget.

The proposed 20% national online gambling tax in South Africa has raised concerns about its overall cost to licensed operators. The proposed tax is not yet enacted. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on 21 October 2026 that discussions on the tax design, its link to the current regulatory system and its effects on provinces and the regulated market were still ongoing.

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