South Africa to Review Consumer Safeguards for Gambling Access Through Mobile Networks

South Africa’s Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi will engage ICASA over possible consumer-protection measures where mobile and other communications networks facilitate access to gambling and betting products, with particular attention to vulnerable users and minors.

South Africa is preparing to examine whether additional consumer safeguards are needed for gambling and betting products accessed through mobile networks and other electronic communications services.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said he would engage the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to determine what measures could appropriately be taken within the regulator’s existing mandate. The statement came in an October 6 written parliamentary response to RISE Mzansi MP Makashule Gana.

Gana had asked whether the government intended to curb the purchase of gambling and betting vouchers through mobile network providers and what protections were in place to prevent minors from gaining access to such products.

Malatsi stressed that using a mobile network or digital platform to purchase or access a betting voucher does not automatically make the underlying gambling product an electronic communications service regulated by ICASA. Gambling licensing remains governed by the National Gambling Act and applicable provincial legislation.

ICASA nevertheless has consumer-protection powers over licensed communications providers and certain premium-rated services. The planned discussions will examine whether those existing protections are adequate when communications networks are used as channels for gambling products and whether further intervention within ICASA’s mandate may be justified.

The issue of minors is expected to be a particular focus. South African gambling rules prohibit participation by people under 18, although the precise safeguards that could be imposed through mobile networks will depend on how each service operates and whether it falls within ICASA’s regulatory powers.

The discussion comes as South Africa takes a broader look at digital gambling enforcement. The National Gambling Board maintains that online interactive gambling remains prohibited, with the exception of online betting offered by appropriately licensed South African bookmakers. Earlier in 2026, the NGB also sought a technological solution capable of monitoring, tracking and blocking illegal online gambling websites.

For now, Malatsi’s announcement represents a regulatory review rather than a new restriction on gambling vouchers or mobile betting. Its significance will depend on whether the talks with ICASA lead to concrete requirements for telecom operators, stronger age controls or other protections at the point where communications networks connect consumers with gambling services.