SABA Calls for Ban on Prediction Markets in South Africa

South Africa.- 30 July 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has urged regulators to prohibit unlicensed prediction markets, arguing that they pose risks to sports integrity, anti-money laundering controls, consumer protection and tax collection.

News Details

According to SABA, prediction market platforms operate in a similar manner to betting exchanges and should therefore be subject to the same regulatory requirements as licensed gambling operators.

The association warned that these markets could increase integrity risks while enabling cross-border transactions that are difficult for South African authorities to monitor.

SABA also stated that, until a dedicated regulatory framework covering licensing, integrity monitoring, AML compliance, consumer protection and taxation is introduced, prediction markets should be regarded as part of the illegal market.

Industry Context

The global debate around prediction markets continues to intensify as regulators assess whether these products should be treated as gambling, financial instruments or a separate category. Concerns over integrity, compliance and consumer protection remain central to regulatory discussions worldwide.

Next Steps or Impact

SABA’s proposal is expected to increase regulatory scrutiny in South Africa and may influence future discussions on creating a dedicated legal framework for prediction markets.