National Treasury proposes a 20% national tax on online gambling

Zuko Komisa

National Treasury is seeking public comments on levying a new 20% national tax on the gross gambling revenue (GGR) of all online betting operations.
The tax is proposed to address the recent surge in online gambling and mitigate the associated social costs and negative externalities stemming from problem gambling.
The public discussion paper is open for review, with a deadline for written submissions set for 30 January 2026.

The National Treasury has initiated a public consultation on a draft paper proposing a 20% national tax on the gross gambling revenue (GGR) from online betting, including interactive gambling.

This new levy would be applied atop existing provincial taxes, addressing the significant surge in online gambling fuelled by technological advancements and greater internet accessibility post-pandemic.

The proposal is fundamentally driven by public policy and the need to mitigate the negative externalities associated with the sector’s rapid growth.

Treasury notes that while recreational gambling is acceptable, the rise of online access presents growing challenges like problem gambling and social issues that impose costs on society.

The tax is designed to regulate and reduce these harms, with public comments welcomed until 30 January 2026.