SABA Clarifies Position Following SCA Decision on Roulette and Casino Bet Restrictions

The South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) has issued a detailed clarification in response to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s recent ruling in the matter of Portapa (Pty) Limited, trading as Supabets, versus the Casino Association of South Africa.

The judgment, which also involved the Gauteng Gambling Board, was handed down on 21 October 2025 and has since generated extensive media coverage and public debate. SABA also noted its awareness of the National Gambling Board’s Media Release dated 19 October 2025, as well as the numerous reports that have surfaced in connection with the ruling.

SABA stressed that contrary to several media claims, the SCA’s decision does not amount to a blanket prohibition on licensed bookmakers offering wagers on roulette or any other casino-style games. According to the association, the ruling specifically concerns Gauteng-based bookmakers, who are restricted by the Gauteng Gambling Act, which defines permissible betting activities for licensed bookmakers strictly in relation to sporting events.

As a result, SABA explained, “bookmakers licensed in Gauteng cannot legally offer betting on roulette,” but this limitation is rooted in provincial legislation rather than a nationwide ban.

The core of the SCA’s judgment lies in its interpretation of what constitutes a “sporting bet” as defined in the Gauteng Gambling Act. SABA underscored that this interpretation does not extend to a prohibition on roulette betting or casino games throughout South Africa.

Bookmakers operating in other provinces remain subject to their own regulatory frameworks, some of which allow wagers on a wider variety of lawful contingencies. SABA stated that claims suggesting all licensed bookmakers nationwide are acting unlawfully by offering bets on roulette or similar games—or that fixed-odds wagers on such games amount to illegal interactive gambling—are unfounded.

SABA also reiterated that online gambling regulation remains a provincial matter and highlighted the need for clear communication regarding the legal status of online betting.

The association asserted that online betting offered by licensed bookmakers does not fall under the category of interactive gambling as defined by the National Gambling Act. The Act distinguishes a bet taken by a licensed bookmaker from a gambling game and further defines interactive gambling as games playable or accessible via the internet. Because fixed-odds betting does not meet the legal definition of a gambling game, SABA explained, “it cannot be classified as interactive gambling.”

Accordingly, the association stated that bookmakers across South Africa may legally provide betting markets on games such as roulette and other casino-style offerings, provided their provincial laws do not prohibit these activities. In Gauteng, however, bookmakers remain confined to offering bets solely on sporting events. SABA emphasised that while the recent ruling serves as an important clarification for Gauteng-based bettors, it is equally essential for players in other provinces to understand that participation in online betting through licensed operators in their regions continues to be lawful.

By fLEXI tEAM