South African Bookmakers Association (SABA)

Represents South African licensed betting operators

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Role & Industry Focus

  • Role Industry body for bookmakers in South Africa.
  • Scope Supports and represents bookmaker industry interests. Association
  • Focus Works within the South African betting environment and broader industry matters.
  • Website Visit the SABA Website
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Enquiries & Information

  • General Info SABA provides industry-related information through its official website.
  • Contact Use the contact details below for association enquiries.
  • Complaints For bookmaker disputes, raise the issue with the operator first and then the relevant gambling regulator where needed.
  • Useful For Industry contact details, bookmaker-related information, and South African betting sector context.
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Contact & Resources

South African Bookmakers Association FAQ

Quick answers about SABA, its role in the betting industry, and how it supports licensed bookmakers in South Africa.

+ What is the South African Bookmakers Association?

SABA is the leading voluntary trade association for licensed bookmakers in South Africa. Founded in 1951, it represents both retail and online betting operators across on-course and off-course operations.

+ Is SABA a gambling regulator?

No. SABA is an industry association, not a regulator. It represents the interests of licensed bookmakers and engages with provincial and national regulatory authorities on their behalf.

+ What does SABA do for its members?

SABA provides legal and compliance advice on provincial gambling legislation, represents members on policy and legislative matters, assists with disciplinary hearings and keeps members updated on regulatory changes affecting the betting industry.

+ What is SABA’s position on illegal gambling?

SABA holds a firm position against illegal gambling. The Association highlights that any bet placed from South Africa on a foreign-based online gambling site is unlawful under the National Gambling Act and that winnings from such activity can be confiscated and forfeited to the State.

+ Does SABA operate a training academy?

Yes. SABA runs a Training Academy that delivers training programmes for betting industry employees, including manager training programmes delivered across multiple provinces.

+ How do I become a SABA member?

Membership is open to licensed bookmakers in South Africa. Enquiries can be directed to SABA at mbali@bookies.co.za or on 031 764 6471.

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South African Bookmakers Association (SABA)

The South African Bookmakers Association is the leading voluntary trade association for licensed bookmakers in South Africa. Founded in 1951, it represents the interests of the country’s legal betting industry, including both retail and online betting operators across on-course and off-course operations.

SABA is not a regulator. It is an industry association that represents its members’ interests, provides legal and compliance support, and engages with provincial and national regulatory authorities on behalf of the betting industry.

South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) Function

SABA’s role is to represent the collective interests of licensed bookmakers in South Africa. It engages with regulators, government and other stakeholders on policy and legislative matters affecting the betting industry. The Association is recognised as a stakeholder and trade association by all provincial gambling regulatory authorities and holds specific approval as an approved association with the Gauteng Gambling Board.

Its mission is to provide mutual aid to its members while maintaining and promoting honourable practices among bookmakers and their stakeholders within the racing and wagering industry.

South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) Member Services

SABA provides a range of services to its members, including legal and compliance advice on provincial gambling legislation, representation on macro industry issues such as national gambling policy, provincial policy, industry transformation and anti-competitive behaviour, updates on changes to policy positions and legislative changes, commentary on proposed policy and legislative amendments at national and provincial level, assistance with representation at disciplinary hearings, fingerprint clearances for registered staff and clerk registrations under the Gauteng Gambling Act.

South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) Position on Illegal Gambling

SABA takes a firm position against illegal gambling in South Africa. The Association highlights that any bet placed by a person located in South Africa on a foreign-based online gambling site constitutes an unlawful gambling activity under the National Gambling Act.

Sections 8(a) and 11 of the National Gambling Act No. 7 of 2004 make it unlawful to engage in or make available a gambling activity unless it is licensed in South Africa. The Association notes that offshore gambling licensing hubs, including jurisdictions such as Curacao, Malta, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, offer licences that have no legal standing in South Africa.

Winnings obtained through illegal gambling activity can be confiscated by the National Gambling Board under Section 16 of the National Gambling Act and forfeited to the State by order of the High Court.

South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) Training Academy

SABA operates a Training Academy that delivers training programmes for betting industry employees. This includes manager training programmes and courses delivered across multiple provinces.

South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) Key Details

  • Full name: South African Bookmakers Association
  • Founded: 1951
  • Type: Voluntary trade association (not a regulator)
  • Represents: Licensed retail and online bookmakers in South Africa
  • Office: 3 The Terrace, Westway Office Park, Westville
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Responsible Gambling (18+)

Betting and Lotto are for adults only. Bet for fun, set limits, and only use money you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable or you’re worried about your play, take a break and get support. Winners know when to stop.

You must be 18 or older to gamble in South Africa. If you need help now, call the NRGP on 0800 006 008.

Fanie Zevgolis
Fanie Zevgolis
Founder, Betline.co.za
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