There are great benefits to how it does contribute to growth, activity, and innovation. But many South Africans have struggled given the abuse or misuse of financial or rather online gambling. To actually ensure that they participate in co-creating regulations, rules, and structures. To ensure that they work for the protection of South Africans who might misuse gambling as an option. To tell us more about this, we're joined by the CEO of Sun International,
Gambling on air
The gambling ads on South African radio, counted.
Every bookmaker, lottery and casino read our ad classifier hears on the stations we monitor, counted over the last 28 days, beside the talk about the industry that pays for them: the bills, the regulators, the callers. The counts are airings, how often a read was heard. They are not spend, reach or a rate card.
The numbers
Airings, last 28 days
920
8 advertisers on 6 of 6 stations.
Share of all ad windows
5.1%
Of 18 145 ad windows flagged on the live stations.
Promotions per warning spot
27 : 1
887 reads selling a bet or a ticket; 33 spots for the industry's counselling line.
In the proposed ban hours
57%
05:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 22:00 SAST, the hours the dtic was reported in February to want cleared. A proposal, not a rule.
Airings by day
PromotionsResponsible-gambling messages
A quiet Sunday is the schedule, not a finding: sponsor reads ride the weekday shows. Hover a column for the day's count.
The debate, as it aired
What the stations said about the industry, between its ads.
Every conversation of the last 7 days that was about gambling rather than selling it: the bills, the regulators, the operators by name, the callers. Press play for the opening, read on for the rest.
- Power FMPOWER Zone with Kefentse Mkhari
You have to pay that. There's also an issue of gambling, you know, which is very rife. And I think we don't notice how much gambling has actually crept up in our families. You know, you see your parents on the phone, you are thinking, you know, they are busy
- Power FMPOWER Breakfast with Thabiso "TT" Tema
Sundowns over the weekend to beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Betway Premiership last night. The Buccaneers moved on swiftly from the heartbreak of relinquishing the domestic cup title they held over four consecutive seasons as goals from Boitimilo Radiopane, Sepang
about 1 minute on air
- 702The Aubrey Masango Show with Aubrey Masango
And Sun International says South Africa's gambling regulations have struggled to keep pace with rapid changes in the industry. The group launched its Responsible Gambling Charter today, which comes at a time when the government is working on a regulatory
about 1 minute on air · also on Cape Talk
- Cape Talk
NPA remains committed to protecting the integrity of South Africa's identity and passport systems. And Sun International says South Africa's gambling regulations have struggled to keep pace with rapid changes in the industry. The group launched its
about 1 minute on air
- Power FMPOWER Business with Tehillah Niselow
descendants, our children, grandchildren, but economic development, Vui Swara Mohopa, says: While the gambling industry offers great economic benefits and job creation, there is a need for greater regulation. She was speaking earlier today at the launch of Sun
about 2 minutes on air
- SAfmMarket Update with Moneyweb
that market at the moment currently estimated at a little over 50 billion rand in terms of online betting that's taken place recently. It is so much of a concern that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Minister Soleim Alazi, mentioned he
about 6 minutes on air
- 702The Money Show with Stephen Grootes
will be directly linked into your salary. You know, the people who suffer the most in the life of a gambler are children and kids or wife, those who are being supported by the gambler. Some are left without a shelter, some are left without school fees being
about 1 minute on air · also on Cape Talk
- Power FMPOWER Business with Tehillah Niselow
they take care of the commuters. And finally, Hao Deng's MEC for Economic Development says while the gambling industry offers great economic benefits and job creation, there is a need for greater regulation. She was speaking at the launch of Sun
- Cape TalkThe Money Show with Stephen Grootes
restrictions about who you will accept as your customers. Are you also trying to manage problematic gambling behavior? If someone needs help, you'll make that available more than you already do. To me, it is common sense, but it's not part of regulation. So it
about 2 minutes on air
Who is buying the airtime
Every gambling advertiser our classifier heard over the last 28 days, by airings. Airings, not spend. A sponsorship read inside a sports show and a 30-second spot in a break count the same, and a brand absent here may be advertising on stations we do not listen to.
- 412airingsHollywoodbets5 stations · 17 Sept–15 Oct
- 213airingsThe National Lottery3 stations · 18 Sept–14 Oct
- 173airings10bet3 stations · 21 Sept–07 Oct
- 63airingsLottoStar1 station · 06 Oct–15 Oct
- 17airingsBetway1 station · 06 Oct–15 Oct
- 6airingsSizekhaya2 stations · 18 Sept–14 Oct
- 2airingsJabula Bets1 station · 12 Oct–13 Oct
- 1airingSilverstar Casino1 station · 09 Oct–09 Oct
The industry's own warning, read as a spot
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation is funded by the operators. Its counselling line closes every bookmaker's read by law; these are the airings where it ran as a message of its own.
- 33airingsSouth African Responsible Gambling Foundation5 stations · 17 Sept–10 Oct
Every advertiser on air ranks the whole market, gambling beside the banks and the retailers.
Where and when it runs
Gambling airings per station, with the share of that station's own ad windows they take. Two commercial Johannesburg stations carry most of it; SAfm, the public broadcaster's talk station, carries the least.
- 2457025.4% of its ad windows
- 245Cape Talk6.0% of its ad windows
- 1919478.2% of its ad windows
- 131Power FM6.8% of its ad windows
- 58SAfm1.6% of its ad windows
- 50Kaya 9593.1% of its ad windows
By hour of the day
Shaded: the hours a reported dtic proposal would clear of gambling ads (05:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 22:00). That would have covered 57% of what we heard. Sun International's own charter clears 06:00 to 08:00 and 12:00 to 18:00, which would cover 50%; its SunBet ran on none of these stations in the window.
What the reads say
The newest gambling reads on the monitored stations, transcribed by machine. Prices, payouts and odds are as advertised and as heard; a misheard number is ours, not theirs.
- LottoStar947· 30s
Of those artists is your preferred from pass me the aux. We're driving on a road trip and you give me the aux. Are you playing Whitney Houston or Chance the Rapper? With Lotto Star Star Rewards, the more you bet, the more real money you get. Ready to earn as you bet? Visit lottostar.co.za to activate your star rewards and start betting on over 800 games with payouts of up to 75 million rand only at lottostar your world of live games lotto star
- LottoStar947· 30s
Lottostar's responsible betting program is here to help. You can take a step back with tools like our cooling off period or self-exclusion options. If you need support, reach out today at lottostar.co.za, your world of live games. Lottostar's licensed by the Mpomalanga Economic Regulator, no under 18, NRGP 08006 0808. Winners know when to stop. Ts and Cs apply. All games are fixed odds betting events. This EWN traffic is brought to you by OUTsurance in partnership with 947.
- Betway947· 30s
I'll get mine. Terms and conditions apply. Betway is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. No under 18s. NRGP Counseling Line 0800608. All events are fixed odds betting games. I am on a mission to find the greatest fighters on earth. On October 16th. You know I'm in. Street Fighter in Cinemas October 16th.
- LottoStar947· 30s
Anymore. Spin now, and you could win payments of up to 30 million rand instantly. Lotto Star, your world of live games. Monopoly is a trademark of Haspro. Must be 18 years or over. Lottostar is licensed by the Mpomalanga Economic Regulator, no under 18, NRGP 08006008, TCNC supply. All games are fixed on spatting events. Do you hear that? That's the sound of my well-rested family protected by Expander Pro security barriers. One of their pros came out to my home and gave me a
- Hollywoodbets947· 30s
Rise FM. Hollywood Sportsbook is a licensed betting operator. Hollywood Bets supports responsible gambling. No persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to gamble. When there's no win to stop. South African Responsible Gambling Foundation toll free counseling line: 0800608, or WhatsApp help to 0766750710. Oh my word, I love what you've done with this new dining area. That table is gorgeous. And those chairs, where did you get that fabulous light? It's the sun.
- LottoStar947· 30s
Let's talk pineapple beer. Who has the best recipe? The Proteus have done it. World Test Champions. We remember the headlines, but 30 years is made up of all the journeys in between. And for 30 years, we've been right there with you. Trekker, we still got you. Feeling bold? Step into the action with Lotto Stars live game shows. Vet now and watch your luck unfold on Crazy Coin Flip, Balloon Race, Crazy Pachinko, Ice Fishing.
- Betway947· 30s
Terms and conditions apply. Betway is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. No under 18s, NRGP Counseling Line 08006008. All events of fixed odds betting games. At St. Peter's College, curiosity grows into confidence. Discover where talent finds its voice and young people prepare for a brave future. Join us for our open day on Tuesday, 20 October from 3pm at our Sunning Hill campus. St. Peter's College. Bravely into the future.
- LottoStar947· 30s
For real people, real fast. Feeling bold? Step into the action with Lotto Star's live game shows. Bid now and watch your luck unfold on Crazy Coin Flip, Balloon Race, Crazy Pachinko, Ice Fishing, and many more. You could win instant payouts of up to 25 million rand. Lotto Star, your world of live games. LottoStars licensed by the Mpomalanga Economic Regulator, no under 18, NRGP 08006008. Winners knowing.
Callers, on gambling
Listeners who phoned in about it over the last 7 days, first name and place as they gave them on air. A caller's view, not ours.
Listener call
Ask AIGambling harm to families
Describes a questionnaire that would link gambling affordability to a person's dependants and salary, arguing gamblers' children and wives suffer most.
“Some are left without a shelter, some are left without school fees being paid, no food at all.”
Stephen
702 · The Money Show · 13 Oct 18:36
Calls on the record
Falsifiable predictions about the industry made on air, graded when the date comes.
[Sport]By 31 May
Kaizer Chiefs will win the Betway Premiership title by 2027-05-31.
“Inconsistent in the cup, more consistent in the league. It's theirs this season.”
A correspondent · Cape Talk · 13 Aug
[Sport]Correct
Orlando Pirates will beat TS Galaxy in their Betway Premiership match on 13 October 2026.
“Pirates is winning tonight. That's the only one that I can put my head on the block for.”
TK · Power FM · 13 Oct
[Business]Correct
Sizekhaya will introduce the National Lottery Multiplay 2 game, allowing players to select eight numbers while winning on six, on 2026-09-01.
“And then, three months later, going into the first of September, excited, we are introducing multiplay two, which gives a player an opportunity to play eight numbers and still have the opportunity to win on six.”
Khotatsu Keiji Mashile · 702 · 28 Aug
No odds, nothing to wager on.
The law, and the money
Where the rules stand. Online betting is licensed by the provinces and legal; online casino games are prohibited and everywhere; the bill that would sort that out has been pending in one form since 2008. Each entry names its source and the day we last checked it.
- Industry
Sun International's Responsible Gambling Charter
Voluntary, one operatorA voluntary charter for its casinos and SunBet: no gambling ads 06:00 to 08:00 or 12:00 to 18:00, one in ten of its gambling ads carrying a responsible-gambling message, no online accounts for players who name a SASSA grant or NSFAS as their income, and AI monitoring for at-risk play from 2027. Launched beside a warning to government against a proposed 20% tax on online gambling. It binds nobody but Sun International, and it was discussed on four of the stations we monitor the day it launched.
TechCentral: Sun International launches gambling charter as tax fight looms · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Regulator
Communications minister and gambling by phone
Talks with ICASA, no ruleAsked in Parliament about gambling vouchers bought through mobile networks, Solly Malatsi said he would consult ICASA on what sits inside its existing mandate. No new rule was announced, and gaming lawyer Wayne Lurie argued on SAfm and in print that telecoms law cannot decide which gambling is lawful. Several outlets reported it as "new rules for gambling on phones"; it is not.
TechCentral: Malatsi can't use telecoms rules to curb lawful gambling, lawyer warns · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Regulator
National Gambling Board verified-operators portal
LiveA public lookup of every bookmaker and casino holding a valid provincial licence. The Board's position, repeated on air this week, is that interactive gambling and online casino games remain illegal; licensed bookmakers offer casino-style games as "contingency" bets, which is the grey zone the lawyers argue over.
Yogonet: South Africa moves to tighten gambling laws and advertising rules · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Regulator
Advertising regulations from the dtic
Proposed, not gazettedThe Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said it would publish norms and standards on gambling advertising, with regulations, before July 2026. The proposals reported include no gambling advertising between 05:00 and 10:00 or between 17:00 and 22:00. On 15 October 2026 nothing had been gazetted that we could find; the measure on this page of how much of what we heard those hours would cover is against that reported proposal, not a rule.
Business Day: Govt readying advertising rules to clamp down on gambling · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Figures
The size of it: 2024/25
PublishedThe National Gambling Board's figures for the year to March 2025: turnover R1.5 trillion, up 30.7%; gross gambling revenue R74.5 billion, up 25.6%. Betting is 70% of that revenue (R52 billion) and casinos 22% (R16.6 billion, down 4.1%). Taxes and levies R5.8 billion. 33,169 direct jobs. Press coverage of the same presentation put online betting at 60% of all gambling revenue.
National Gambling Board: Gambling sector performance FY2024/25, summary report · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Regulator
ARB gambling appendix
In force; update pendingThe Advertising Regulatory Board added a gambling appendix to its Code of Advertising Practice, drafted with the National Gambling Board. It restates the law in one place: every ad carries a responsible-gambling message and the counselling line, none targets minors or implies winning is likely. That is the "no under 18s, NRGP counselling line 0800 006 008" tail on every read we hear. A tightened code went out for comment to 28 February 2026; the ARB and the Board announced a formal alliance on 29 September 2026 ahead of the updated code.
Werksmans: Advertising Regulatory Board ups the ante on responsible gambling advertising · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Bill
Remote Gambling Bill (B11-2024)
Before committeeA private member's bill from the DA's Dean Macpherson: a national remote-gambling licence, age verification, no credit to players and a national self-exclusion register. Public comment closed in late 2024 and the trade and industry committee heard it through 2025. Industry lawyers now put any commencement at 2027 or later.
Mail & Guardian: South Africa's R1.5-trillion gambling market, legal grey zones and future laws · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Bill
National Gambling Amendment Bill (B27-2018)
Under reviewThe state's own reform: a national regulator in place of the Board, uniform norms for the provinces. It has lapsed twice. In July 2026 the trade minister, Parks Tau, told Parliament a Gambling Technical Committee is reviewing it and the National Gambling Policy Council has chosen to speed up a new bill, with a policy document due before Cabinet later this year.
Yogonet: South Africa moves to tighten gambling laws and advertising rules · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Act
National Gambling Amendment Act 10 of 2008
Assented, not in forceWould have legalised and regulated interactive gambling under a national licence. Assented to, never brought into force: the commencement date was never proclaimed, which is why online casino games stay prohibited while online betting, licensed by the provinces, carries most of the industry.
Lexology: the Remote Gambling Bill and the legalisation of online gambling · checked 15 Oct 2026
- Act
National Gambling Act 7 of 2004
In forceThe framework the whole industry still runs on. Provinces license bookmakers, casinos and limited-payout machines; the National Gambling Board oversees them. Interactive gambling (online casino games) is prohibited; sports betting, including online, is licensed province by province.
Chambers Gaming Law 2025: South Africa · checked 15 Oct 2026
Follow it yourself
Standing alerts that email you when something matching airs. Each link opens the alert form already filled in; edit anything before you save it.
- Gambling regulationThe bills, the Board, the dtic and the tax, as they come up.
- Bookmakers in the newsWhen an operator is the story rather than the sponsor.
- Problem gamblingThe callers and the counsellors, not the disclaimer.
- The National LotteryThe operator, the Commission and the licence.
- One bookmaker, every readAds included. Swap the name for the operator you follow.
How this page works
Airings, not spend. A machine classifier marks each 30-second window of broadcast as an advert or not and names the brand. We count the windows it marked as gambling advertising with at least 70% confidence over the last 28 days. A sponsorship line inside a sports show and a paid spot in a break are the same airing. We do not know what any read cost, who heard it, or whether it was paid for at all.
Promotions and messages are counted apart. A read that sells a bet, a ticket or a game is a promotion. A spot for the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation's counselling line is a message. The counselling line read at the end of a promotion, as the law requires, stays inside the promotion. The Foundation is funded by the industry.
We monitor six stations. 702, Power FM, Kaya 959 and 947 (Gauteng), Cape Talk (Western Cape) and SAfm (national), all in English. An operator that advertises on the stations we do not listen to is absent here, and that is a fact about our coverage, not about the operator.
Brand names come from speech recognition. The classifier spells an operator as it heard it, and we fold the spellings we know about onto one name. A read keyed on a product we have not met yet lands in "Other" on the Ads page until we add it; the ledger here can therefore undercount, never overcount.
The debate rows are keyword matches over the last 7 days of non-advertising windows, folded into conversations. Transcripts are machine-generated and quoted as heard. Allegations made on air are attributed to whoever made them.
The law section is written by hand from the sources it links, with the day each was checked. Bills move; if an entry is out of date, the source link and the date are there so you can see how far.
Something wrong? Tell us and we will correct it. Updated 15 Oct, 18:11 SAST.