How to Report Illegal Gambling Operations in Gauteng

Illegal gambling operations are spreading across Gauteng. These unlicensed setups hurt legal businesses, exploit vulnerable people, and fuel other crimes like fraud and money laundering. If you spot suspicious betting or gaming in your area, you can take action and report it. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.

ALSO READ: Overview of Gambling Laws in Gauteng and South Africa

What Counts as Illegal Gambling?

Any betting or gaming that takes place without a license from the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) breaks the law. The National Gambling Act of 2004 sets strict rules on how gambling should operate in South Africa.

In Gauteng, illegal gambling operations may include:

Slot machines inside shebeens or taverns
Backroom poker games or betting pools
Online casinos without South African licenses
Cash-based gambling services that operate without approval

If you can’t find a visible GGB license at the venue, it’s likely unregistered. You can check whether a business is legal by visiting the GGB License Register.

Why Reporting Matters

Illegal gambling doesn’t follow safety rules or responsible gaming standards. These operations often:

Trick players with unfair odds
Avoid paying tax
Attract criminal elements
Target poor and vulnerable communities

When you report illegal gambling operations, you help protect your neighbourhood and support businesses that follow the law.

How to Spot Illegal Gambling

You don’t need to be an expert to recognise illegal gambling. Look out for:

Gaming machines inside informal bars or backrooms
No license or business signage
Suspicious cash-only operations
People gathering frequently for unknown activities
Online betting platforms that don’t show licensing info

If something feels off, trust your instincts and take note of what you see.

How to Report Illegal Gambling Operations in Gauteng

You can report illegal gambling anonymously or include your details if you prefer. Several trusted channels are available.

1. Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB)

The GGB oversees all gambling in the province. You can contact them directly to report suspicious activity.

Contact details:

📞 Phone: +27 (11) 581 4800
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.ggb.org.za

What to include in your report:

Venue name and address
Type of gambling happening
Time and date
Names of people (if known)
Photos or videos (only if safe to capture)

You can stay anonymous. If you give your details, GGB officials may contact you for more information.

2. South African Police Service (SAPS)

If you suspect a crime, contact SAPS.

Ways to report:

☎️ Call: 08600 10111 (Crime Stop)
📱 SMS: 32211 (anonymous and costs R1 per SMS)
🌍 Website: www.saps.gov.za

SAPS may send officers to investigate or refer the case to the GGB.

3. Crime Line Tip-Offs

Crime Line offers another way to report illegal gambling operations without revealing your identity.

How to send a tip:

📱 SMS: 32211
🔗 Website: www.crimeline.co.za

Crime Line forwards your tip to the right agency, including SAPS or the GGB.

What Happens After You Report?

Once you report illegal gambling operations, authorities review the case. If they find enough evidence, they may:

Visit the location unannounced
Confiscate gambling machines
Interview witnesses
Charge the people involved
Close down the illegal operation

If you share your details, officials may follow up with more questions. Anonymous reports still help a lot.

Whistleblower Protection

If you worry about safety, you’re protected under the Protected Disclosures Act. This law shields anyone who reports illegal activity in good faith from threats or job loss (Justice.gov.za PDF).

Don’t confront illegal operators directly. Always report from a safe distance.

Use Legal Gambling Services Instead

To avoid supporting illegal operations, use services that follow the law. Licensed venues pay taxes and offer player support.

Here are a few legal options in Gauteng:

Gold Reef City, Montecasino, Time Square Casino
Online platforms like Betway, Hollywoodbets, and LottoStar
National Lottery by Ithuba: www.nationallottery.co.za

You can check whether any operator is licensed here:
👉 GGB License Register

Take Action Today

Illegal gambling operations damage the community and hurt honest businesses. Reporting what you see helps clean up your area, protect vulnerable people, and keep the betting industry fair.

If something doesn’t feel right, report it. Your voice can make a difference.