Regulatory bodies in South Africa are elevating their focus on gambling marketing through the formation of a new monitoring body.
Reports from News24, Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, has ordered his department to begin the process of the appointment of a National Gambling Policy Council.
A new strategy is set to be undertaken in the region after a growing number of gambling marketing content appeared online on a myriad of platforms, including YouTube.
At the heart of the new strategy will be the focus on eradicating illegal online gambling ads and providing increasing clarity in gambling framework after a seven-year operational hiatus that last saw the Council convening in 2018.
Updating Parliament, Tau stated: “The National Gambling Act prohibits the placing of advertisements in media primarily directed at persons under the age of 18.
“There is an issue of sponsorship of family-friendly programmes, where major bookkeepers sponsor them. This results in the increase of visibility and frequency of gambling content during shows mostly viewed by minors.”
Tau added: “There is an intention to ensure that we can regulate online gambling. It is an environment where different provinces have different approaches, with some being more relaxed. We also want to ensure that there is rehabilitation of addicts.”
It comes amidst increasing gambling engagement in the country, with the lack of regulation leading to growth of engagement from South African players with operators based outside the country.
An NGB report stated that R1.1trn (£41bn) was wagered during FY24, presenting a significant economic opportunity for the country.
Tau added on the state of play for illegal gambling in South Africa: “This surge in illegal online gambling activities and the widespread advertising of gambling, often targeting vulnerable populations, has presented new challenges for regulators.
“The convergence of technology, consumer behaviour, and regulatory frameworks has necessitated a robust response to these challenges.”
