South Africa’s regulator, the National Gambling Board (NGB), has hit back at public criticism of its recently-launched licensed operators’ whitelist portal.

The authority labeled recent media reports about the accuracy of its portal, which launched early last month, as “speculative and unsupported”. 

In particular, the NGB referenced apparent comments made about the registry’s Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) section, which lists gambling machines located outside of traditional casinos in venues like clubs, hotels, and pubs.

While it is difficult to comment with certainty about these media reports, as the NGB did not link directly to them, SBC News understands that certain LPMs were verified as licensed while having the word ‘closed’ next to them – which might have led to some confusion about their legality.

“It is incorrect to assume that the mere appearance of the word ‘CLOSED’ indicates regulatory failure or that the premises are unlawfully operating gambling activities,” the NGB said.

Instead, the regulator pointed to a variety of reasons why that word could appear next to an LPM licence, such as temporary renovations, non-payment of fees, ongoing disputes, or a temporary cessation of trading.

“Unless there is evidence that gambling operations continue unlawfully at such premises, the conclusion that the register’s assurances are “false” is speculative and unsupported.”

One other point that the NGB addressed were alleged reports that the register does not contain any online gambling operators, which the regulator said is simply “inaccurate” given that online sports betting providers such as Betway are clearly listed on there.

SBC News managed to find only one visible comment addressing the register circulating on the internet, which came from the South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA).

While not a clear-cut critique, and frankly mostly positive towards the launch of the initiative, SABA’s statement urged the NGB to ensure that the database is “consistently updated to ensure that newly licensed operators are not disadvantaged by outdated information”

The Association highlighted that some licenses granted by the Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) in March 2026 were not yet listed as of 9 April. As a reminder, South Africa has nine PLAs responsible for licences within their jurisdictions, and the NGB database is fed by them.

The regulator’s closing remarks stated: “The NGB remains committed to working collaboratively with the PLAs and other stakeholders to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve data management systems, and enhance public confidence in South Africa’s regulated gambling industry.”

 

 

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