Gambling Authority vows to crack down on operator irregularities
Lewanika Timothy | Wednesday January 21, 2026 06:00
The Gambling Authority (GA) crackdown follows a surge in complaints from punters who allege that betting platforms often go offline at critical moments, particularly when consumers attempt to cash out winnings. Others have reported delays that stretch into weeks before payments are processed, with little or no communication from operators.
Acting GA CEO, Moruntshi Kemorwale, said the Authority will no longer tolerate practices that undermine consumer confidence and the integrity of the gambling sector.
“We are aware of trends where systems conveniently go down at moments that prejudice players, especially during cash-out periods,” he said. “That is unacceptable and will attract firm regulatory action.”
Kemorwale explained that under the Gambling Act and licence conditions, operators are required to maintain reliable systems, ensure prompt payment of winnings and keep accurate, auditable records of all transactions.
“Any system interruption must be justified, logged and reported to the authority. Operators cannot hide behind so-called technical challenges while consumers suffer losses or uncertainty,” he added. Kemorwale revealed that the GA has already initiated compliance inspections and forensic system audits on several operators suspected of breaching licence conditions. Payment delays, he noted, remain one of the most common violations.
“Winnings are not a favour. They are a contractual obligation. Once a consumer has legitimately won, payment must be made within the prescribed timelines. Deliberate delays are a serious offence,” he said.
The Authority has also flagged poor record keeping as a major risk to both consumers and regulators. In some cases, operators have failed to produce transaction histories, betting logs or system reports when requested.
He urged consumers to report any suspected irregularities, including screenshots of system errors, payment correspondence and transaction references.
“We need players to come forward. Regulation works best when consumers are vigilant and informed,” he said.
Kemorwale stressed that the Authority’s objective is not to stifle the industry, but to ensure fair play and sustainability.
“A well-regulated gambling environment protects consumers and serious operators alike. Those who cut corners will be dealt with,” he said.
Previously the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) picked the use of “high value cash in gambling” as one of the emerging patterns contributing to a rise in suspicious transaction reports that more than doubled to P139.1 million in five months last year. By law, banks, bureaux de change, car dealers, microlenders, attorneys and others must file suspicious transaction reports with the FIA.