South African gamblers winnings confiscated

The South African Government’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sent a strong message to the public this week regarding illegal online gambling when it petitioned the Gauteng High Court to confiscate several online punters winnings following an investigation by the country’s National Gambling Board (NGB).

Despite online gambling being illegal in South Africa, a myriad of unlicensed operators offer their services in the country, seemingly with impunity.

The Court subsequently handed down an unprecedented ruling in which R1.25 million in winnings were confiscated and forfeited to the State.

“The public is hereby cautioned to be wary of online gambling offerings, as online gambling is illegal in South Africa and thus anyone participating in any illegal online gambling activity would be unable to receive any winnings and would expose themselves to criminal prosecution,” the Department of Trade and Industry cautioned in a statement.

The NGB collaborates with the banking fraternity in identifying illegal winnings as part of an anti-money laundering strategy. South African residents found to be gambling illegally are subject to the confiscation of their winnings and may face criminal charges or a hefty fine to a maximum of R10 million or both.

NGB accounting officer Caroline Kongwa appealed to the public to report websites advertising online gambling and establishments in South Africa, especially those disguised as internet cafes, offering online gambling and other illegal gambling activities to the public.

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