THE NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD AND ADVERTISING REGULATORY BOARD MOVE TO STRENGTHEN OVERSIGHT OF GAMBLING ADVERTISING
The National Gambling Board (NGB) and the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) have entered into a formal partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in the monitoring of gambling advertising and the protection of consumers across traditional and digital advertising platforms.The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties comes as gambling advertising becomes increasingly visible across television, radio, billboards, social media and other digital platforms. The growth of online gambling and digital marketing has also changed how gambling operators reach consumers, requiring closer cooperation between organisations responsible for gambling regulation and advertising standards.
The MoU establishes a formal framework for the NGB and ARB to cooperate in monitoring and addressing non-compliant gambling advertising, responding to breaches of advertising standards and establishing referral mechanisms for complaints relating to gambling advertising.
The collaboration will also extend to cross-border and illegal online gambling advertising, including joint monitoring of social media, online platforms, influencer marketing and other digital channels. The parties will exchange information on emerging advertising trends, associated risks and regulatory concerns and share expertise on gambling regulation, advertising standards, consumer protection and digital marketing.
NGB Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lungile Dukwana, said the agreement
strengthens the NGB’s efforts to ensure that player protection keeps pace with
changes in the gambling and advertising environment.
“Gambling advertising has changed significantly in both its reach and the platforms
through which it reaches the public. Social media, influencer marketing and digital
platforms mean that gambling promotions can reach consumers more frequently and,
in some instances, young and vulnerable audiences”, says Mr Dukwana.
This agreement gives the NGB and ARB a practical framework to share information,
address non-compliant advertising and strengthen oversight where our respective
mandates intersect. It also supports broader efforts to address the promotion of illegal
and unlicensed gambling. “ Ultimately, this is about protecting the public and ensuring
that gambling advertising is responsible, compliant and does not undermine the
safeguards that exist to protect consumers”, adds Mr Dukwana.
The ARB will bring its expertise in advertising standards and the administration of the
Code of Advertising Practice to the collaboration, while the NGB will contribute its
regulatory expertise and oversight role within South Africa’s gambling sector. The
agreement allows both organisations to retain their respective mandates while working
more closely where gambling regulation, advertising standards and consumer
protection meet.
ARB Chief Executive Officer, Ms Gail Schimmel, said, “This MOU comes at an
important time as we prepare to launch our updated Gambling Code and as gambling
advertising continues to evolve across traditional and digital platforms. Effective
advertising self-regulation depends on clear standards, strong cooperation and
ensuring that consumers can trust the advertising they see.”
She further elaborates, “Our collaboration with the NGB will strengthen how we
respond to emerging issues in gambling advertising and promote responsible and
compliant advertising. It also gives us a more direct way to share information, address
concerns as they arise and provide greater clarity to the industry on what is expected.”
The MoU also provides for cooperation on relevant educational campaigns and
awareness initiatives, enabling the NGB and ARB to use their respective
communication platforms to strengthen awareness among gambling operators and
communities.
For the NGB, the agreement forms part of its broader approach to player protection
and addressing illegal gambling. This includes continued cooperation with Provincial
Licensing Authorities and law enforcement agencies, public education on responsible
and illegal gambling and helping consumers distinguish between licensed and illegal
gambling operators.
The NGB encourages members of the public to gamble only with licensed operators
and to remain cautious when responding to gambling advertisements and promotions,
particularly those encountered online and on social media.
