Mobile betting vouchers under fire as SA gambling hits R1.5 trillion

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi says he will engage ICASA on possible measures to address gambling and betting vouchers sold through mobile networks, amid concerns over gambling addiction and access by minors.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi says he will engage the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on possible measures to address the use of mobile networks to access gambling and betting vouchers.

This comes amid growing concern over the rise of gambling in South Africa, particularly online betting, and its impact on vulnerable people and households. The National Gambling Board reported that gambling turnover reached R1.5 trillion in the 2024/25 financial year.

In a written parliamentary reply, Malatsi was responding to a question from Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, who asked whether he intended to introduce measures to curb the sale of gambling and betting vouchers through mobile network providers and what safeguards were in place to prevent minors from accessing them.

Malatsi said the National Gambling Act of 2004, together with provincial gambling legislation, provides the regulatory framework for gambling and betting activities.

He said the use of a mobile network or platform to purchase or access a gambling voucher does not automatically make the gambling product an electronic communications service regulated by ICASA.

However, Malatsi said he would engage ICASA on possible measures within its regulatory mandate, including whether existing consumer protection measures were adequate and whether further interventions were needed.

"I will therefore engage ICASA on what measures can appropriately be taken within its regulatory mandate where electronic communications networks and services are used to facilitate access to gambling and betting products," Malatsi said.

"This will include considering whether existing consumer-protection measures within ICASA’s regulatory framework are adequate and whether further interventions within its mandate may be warranted".

He said the safeguards that apply to gambling and betting vouchers depend on how the service is structured and whether it falls within ICASA’s regulatory jurisdiction.

"Any specific safeguards applicable to the purchase of gambling or betting vouchers will therefore depend on the manner in which the service is structured and whether it falls within ICASA’s regulatory jurisdiction. Requirements governing the age at which a person may lawfully participate in gambling remain subject to the applicable gambling legislation and regulation".