Online gambling boom prompts tighter ad monitoring
South Africa's National Gambling Board and Advertising Regulatory Board signed an MOU to strengthen monitoring of gambling advertising across digital platforms.Summary
The National Gambling Board (NGB) and Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) in South Africa have signed a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in monitoring gambling advertising and protecting consumers across traditional and digital platforms. The agreement establishes a framework for addressing non-compliant gambling advertising, responding to breaches of advertising standards, and creating referral mechanisms for complaints. It extends to cross-border and illegal online gambling advertising, including joint monitoring of social media, influencer marketing, and other digital channels. NGB acting CEO Lungile Dukwana noted that gambling advertising has changed significantly in reach and platforms, with social media and influencer marketing allowing promotions to reach consumers more frequently, sometimes including young and vulnerable audiences. ARB CEO Gail Schimmel said the MOU comes at an important time as the ARB prepares to launch an updated Gambling Code. Both organizations will exchange information on emerging advertising trends, share expertise, and collaborate on educational campaigns. The agreement also supports the NGB's broader efforts to address illegal and unlicensed gambling and encourages the public to only gamble with licensed operators.
(Source：Itweb)