Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board

22/12/2025

Wishing you a safe, restful and blessed Festive Period 🙏🏽

05/11/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT

WCGRB’S POSITION ON THE SCA JUDGEMENT CONCERNING CONTINGENCIES OFFERED BY BOOKMAKERS

For Immediate Release

Date: 5 November 2025

The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) is aware of the judgment in Portapa (Pty) Limited t/a Supabets and Others v Casino Association of South Africa and Another and The Gauteng Gambling Board v Casino Association of South Africa v Portapa (Pty) Ltd t/a Supabets and Others (182/2024 & 215/2024) [2025] ZASCA 158 (21 October 2025).

The WCGRB issues this statement to clarify its position following recent media reports and commentary.

This case concerns the offering of fixed-odds bets on the outcomes of roulette (casino) games by a bookmaker licensed by the Gauteng Gambling Board. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) held that it is unlawful, in terms of the Gauteng Gambling Act 4 of 1995, for bookmakers licensed by the Gauteng Gambling Board to offer fixed-odds bets on the outcome of a casino game, including roulette.

Importantly, the SCA did not consider the legislative frameworks of any other Provincial Licensing Authorities. We confirm that the WCGRB’s legislation differs from that of the Gauteng Province. Consequently, the SCA judgment should be applied and understood in the context of the case that was before the Court and the legislative framework that governs gambling in the Gauteng Province.

The WCGRB hereby confirms that the judgment has no bearing on the Western Cape Province, on bookmakers licensed by the WCGRB, or on the approved contingencies and betting offerings permitted under the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act, 1996, read with the National Gambling Act, 2004, which remain lawful and within the WCGRB’s statutory mandate.

Issued by:
Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
Mr Claude Bassuday
Chairperson of the Board

Contact Person:
Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
Mr Primo Abrahams
Chief Executive Office – [email protected]

28/03/2025

The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the provincial regulator of all gambling and betting activities in the Western Cape, hosted a Responsible Gambling Awareness Campaign for Grade 10 learners on Thursday, 27 March 2025. One of the Board's key functions is to educate the public about responsible gambling and the social ills associated with gambling. This includes educating the youth about the dangers of underage gambling.

The Board partnered with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) and the Hollywood Foundation for this initiative.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the prevention and treatment of disordered gambling. SARGF provides free and confidential treatment and counselling to those affected by problem gambling and their immediate family members. The Foundation also educates South Africans about the potential harmful effects of problem gambling and promotes responsible gambling.

The Hollywood Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation focused on addressing various social challenges by providing hope and making meaningful contributions to local communities. As part of their corporate responsibility, the Hollywood Foundation invests in communities, partnering with provincial gambling boards and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation to educate the public about the social ills of gambling, including the dangers of underage gambling.

In terms of section 71(2) of the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act (“the Act”), no person under the age of eighteen years shall:
(a) Enter any area where gambling takes place;
(b) Take part in any gambling activity, or handle or operate a gambling machine; or
(c) Be entitled to enforce any gambling debt, notwithstanding the provisions of section 79.

Section 72(3) of the Act states that: “No license holder or employee of a license holder shall permit any person under the age of eighteen years to enter or remain in any area where gambling takes place, or to take part in any gambling activity, or to handle or operate a gambling device. No parent or guardian of a person under the age of eighteen years shall permit such person to enter or remain in any area where gambling takes place, or to take part in any gambling activity, or to handle or operate a gambling device.”

The Responsible Gambling Awareness Event was attended by thirteen (13) schools in the Western Cape. The event programme focused on educating learners about the dangers of underage gambling, introduced them to career opportunities in the gambling industry, and featured South African cricketer Vernon Philander, who addressed the students to motivate them and dissuade them from participating in underage gambling.

The programme was well received and took place in the presence of the students’ teachers.

Of great concern to the Board is the number of students who indicated that they are actively engaging in gambling, including sports betting. This suggests that these underage learners are using an adult’s credentials to access gambling platforms, which is most disconcerting.

The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and responsibilities by promoting responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable individuals, especially the youth. We take these efforts seriously and are dedicated to continuing our work in raising awareness about the dangers of underage gambling. We look forward to hosting similar events in the future to further educate and empower our communities.

Enquiries can be directed to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Primo Abrahams, at [email protected] or to the CFO, Ms. Z Siwa, at [email protected].

28/12/2024

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30/03/2024

You have to learn to read the signs.

29/12/2023

If your gambling is becoming a problem, please call the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation at 0800 006 008. Help is free, anonymous and available 24/7.

29/06/2023

27/09/2022

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25/06/2022

Meet Mia. Mia is a responsible gambler.

23/06/2021

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29/03/2021

What kind of gambler are you?

Non-gamblers are those who don’t gamble at all on any form of gambling, including the lottery. This group was estimated to constitute about half the South African population in 2009.

Recreational gamblers are those for who gambling is a harmless recreation, and who do not spend more time or money on gambling than they can comfortably afford. They typically determine beforehand what they consider to be acceptable losses. By and large their gambling activities cause little harm to themselves or their loved ones and their behaviour is associated with minimal guilt. They simply require information and education on gambling behaviour to enable them to make sensible decisions and remain harm free. This group was estimated to constitute about 45.8% of the South African population.

Problem gamblers demonstrate gambling behaviour that creates negative consequences for themselves, for others in their circle of friends and family, or for the community. Using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, this group constitutes around 2.7% of the South African population.

Pathological or compulsive gamblers have a psychiatric disorder diagnosable by strict clinical criteria. It is regarded as a disorder of impulse control and has a very poor prognoses. Such gamblers are unable to control their gambling, leading to significant damage to themselves and others. They are often difficult to treat. The group constitutes about 1.5% of the South African population.

Source: South African Responsible Gambling Foundation

17/12/2020

Meet Bob. Bob is a problem gambler.