South African minister to ask ICASA to consider measures on betting vouchers sold via mobile networks

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said he will open dialogues with the telecommunications regulator ICASA about safeguards applicable when mobile networks are used to sell betting vouchers or to facilitate access to gambling products. The statement appears in a written parliamentary reply dated 6 October 2026; no new rules have been announced and the initiative is at the discussion stage.

## What the MP asked and what the minister replied

Member of Parliament Rise Mzansi Makashule Gana asked Malatsi whether he intended to put in place mechanisms to curb the sale of betting vouchers and gambling via mobile-network providers, citing the high prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in South Africa. Malatsi replied in writing on 6 October 2026, first reported by The Star.

In his reply, Malatsi recalled that the framework for gambling regulation and licensing falls under the National Gambling Act and provincial gambling laws. He also stated his support for protecting South Africans, particularly vulnerable and low-income households, from harm related to irresponsible gambling.

"Where a mobile network or mobile platform is merely used as a channel by which a consumer purchases or accesses a betting or gambling voucher, this does not in itself convert the underlying gambling product into an electronic communications service regulated by ICASA," Malatsi wrote.

## Why ICASA does not automatically regulate vouchers sold over mobile networks

Malatsi's reply distinguishes ICASA's competence—the regulation of electronic communications networks and services—from the responsibilities of gambling regulators who issue licences under the National Gambling Act. The sale of a voucher over a telephone network does not transform the gambling product into a telecommunications service.

ICASA regulates its licence-holders when conduct falls within an electronic communications service or a premium-rated service as defined by the Electronic Communications Act and its rules. Its Regulations on the Code of Conduct for Premium-Rated Services require network operators to ensure that third-party premium-service providers on their networks meet consumer-protection standards.

For that reason, any specific safeguards for the purchase of gambling vouchers will depend on the structure of the service and whether it in fact falls within ICASA's mandate. The minimum legal gambling age remains the responsibility of gambling legislation and regulators, not ICASA.

## Scope of the consultation between the ministry and ICASA

Malatsi explained the consultation will seek to identify what measures can be taken "within its regulatory mandate" when electronic communications networks and services facilitate access to gambling and betting products. The aim is to assess whether existing consumer-protection measures in ICASA's framework are sufficient and whether it is appropriate to introduce additional interventions within its competence.

The ministry said it will work with ICASA and with the authorities responsible for gambling regulation to address harmful practices facilitated by digital platforms and communications networks. No timetable was set and no specific measures were proposed in the parliamentary reply.

## Regulatory context and recent background in South Africa

Makashule Gana has pushed since June 2024 for a stricter national gambling regulatory agenda. In January 2025 he warned of a "gambling crisis" and cited figures from the National Gambling Board (NGB) showing South Africans spent R1.1 trillion on gambling in the 2023/24 financial year. The NGB places gambling expenditure for 2024/25 at R1.5 trillion, an increase of R400 billion year on year.

Since October 2025 the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been reviewing the National Gambling Act, and a new bill was expected to be taken to Cabinet within the 2026 calendar year. A Gambling Technical Committee has been examining consistency between national and provincial rules.

In April 2026 licensed bookmakers asked banks and payment providers to block transactions to offshore gambling platforms. The National Gambling Board is also working on advertising regulations that would include responsible-gambling warnings and limits on placing ads where the audience is predominantly under 18.

## What this means for players and the industry

There are no new prohibitions for people who buy betting vouchers or place bets via their mobile network. The government has not imposed a blanket ban on gambling via mobile networks; the minister's action is an initial consultation with ICASA. The NGB maintains that interactive online gambling remains illegal in South Africa, while online betting is permitted when offered by a licensed South African bookmaker.

If the government in future decides network operators should assume a role, rules could focus on how gambling platforms are accessed or whether unlicensed services should be blocked. The protection of minors via networks will depend on what ICASA's mandate allows.

For licensing status, legal position and operators accepting South African players see our South Africa guide.

## Operational and compliance implications

Network operators will need to determine whether specific services that facilitate access to betting vouchers fall within categories regulated by ICASA. Where premium services are subject to the Code of Conduct, compliance with consumer-protection standards will need to be demonstrated. Gambling authorities will remain responsible for setting the minimum gambling age and for granting or revoking licences under the National Gambling Act.

The open discussion between the ministry and ICASA will be of interest to payment providers, banks, network operators and betting platforms, since any intervention could affect transaction flows and due-diligence obligations to prevent consumer harm.

Last updated: 10 October 2026. No timetable has been set for the consultation between the ministry and ICASA and no specific measures were proposed in the parliamentary document.