South African Bookmakers Association (SABA). Last updated 2026-07-26.
The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) is the voluntary industry body representing licensed bookmakers in South Africa. SABA is not a licensing authority. It sets and promotes voluntary standards for its members, engages with regulators on behalf of the industry, and supports responsible gambling initiatives, including the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP).
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | National (voluntary membership) |
| Head office | South Africa, National |
| Telephone | See bookies.co.za contact page |
| Enquiries | See bookies.co.za contact page |
| Established | Established prior to 2000 |
| Governing Act | Voluntary industry association; not a statutory body |
| Official site | www.bookies.co.za |
What the SABA does
The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) is the voluntary industry body representing licensed bookmakers in South Africa. SABA is not a licensing authority. It sets and promotes voluntary standards for its members, engages with regulators on behalf of the industry, and supports responsible gambling initiatives, including the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP).
- Represent licensed bookmakers in engagement with provincial and national regulators
- Set and promote voluntary industry codes of conduct among members
- Coordinate industry contributions to the National Responsible Gambling Programme
- Publish industry information, statistics and educational content for members and the public
- Facilitate dialogue between bookmakers, media and government on regulatory matters
Members and affiliated operators
SABA membership is voluntary. Being a SABA member does not confer a licence; every bookmaker still needs a provincial licence to operate legally. If you want to know whether a specific bookmaker is a SABA member, consult the SABA website at bookies.co.za.
Recent programmes and initiatives
- 2025. Continued industry engagement on responsible gambling standards through the National Responsible Gambling Programme.
- 2024. Ongoing publication of consumer-facing responsible gambling guidance on bookies.co.za.
Frequently asked questions
Is SABA a gambling regulator?
No. SABA is a voluntary industry association, not a statutory regulator. Every licensed bookmaker in South Africa is licensed by a provincial gambling board, not by SABA. SABA membership is separate from, and does not replace, provincial licensing.
Are all licensed bookmakers SABA members?
No. SABA membership is voluntary. Some licensed bookmakers are not SABA members. Membership does not affect the legal validity of a licence.
How does SABA relate to responsible gambling?
SABA members contribute voluntarily to the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), which is operated by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation and funded through a voluntary industry contribution of 0.1% of Gross Gaming Revenue.
Where do I complain about a SABA member bookmaker?
Complaints about a licensed bookmaker's conduct should always be lodged with the provincial gambling board that licensed the operator, not with SABA. Use our licence verifier to identify the correct provincial board.