Bookmakers’ Association grows impatient with South Africa’s black market enforcement

South Africa’s regulatory fragmentation is not the primary cause of black market growth, according to Sean Coleman, but provincial structures “do have an undeniable part to play”.

Speaking to SBC News regarding the country’s struggles to contain illegal gambling, the South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) Chief Executive Officer pointed instead to national shortcomings.

He argued that enforcement sits “squarely in the domain and legal framework” of the National Gambling Board (NGB), but that the body is currently under-equipped to deal with the scale of the problem.

Sean Coleman

This came after a recent YieldSec study, which found that 62% of gambling activity in South Africa came via unlicensed sites that are not regulated in the country.

“There are inefficient, lacking resources and skill sets to deal with the illegal market,” Coleman said.

“Industry is wanting and willing to make this happen. Despite our offers, we have yet to be approached.”

He referenced the Gauteng r..