KwaZulu-Natal’s legislature has scheduled public hearings on the Gaming and Betting Tax Bill, 2026, giving communities and operators an opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the province’s gambling tax framework.
Finance MEC Francois Rodgers introduced the bill in June. Its stated objectives include improving revenue collection, strengthening transparency and promoting transformation within the gaming and betting industry.
The legislature’s Finance Portfolio Committee is overseeing the consultation. Chairperson Mathandeni Dlungwana said the hearings formed part of its constitutional responsibility to facilitate public participation in lawmaking.
The schedule, published on 10 November, listed an opening hearing on Tuesday at the Legislature precinct in Pietermaritzburg, followed by a session at Uvongo Hall in Port Shepstone at 10am on Wednesday.
Following a break, hearings will resume at Moth Hall in Dundee on 1 December and conclude at Veldevlei Hall in Richards Bay on 2 December.
Members of the public, industry representatives and other interested parties can contribute. Dlungwana also encouraged stakeholders to submit written comments.
The committee will consider the submissions as the bill progresses through the legislature. Gambling businesses are expected to participate, alongside communities affected by the sector’s operations.
The tax debate accompanies wider harm-prevention initiatives. The National Gambling Board has recently established a task team for its “Risk to Responsibility” campaign, bringing together education, financial and industry stakeholders. Its planned student forum aims to support peer-led awareness, financial wellness and youth safeguarding.
Beyond this, governance and licensing decisions have faced scrutiny elsewhere in South Africa. Gauteng’s gambling regulator removed its CEO and suspended its CFO following a forensic investigation.
The Pretoria High Court also set aside Sizekhaya’s National Lottery licence award, while suspending the order for 12 months to allow reconsideration without immediately disrupting operations.
South Africa’s national gross gambling revenue reached R74.5bn ($4.4bn) in 2024/25, with betting accounting for approximately 69.8% of the total
