Betting.za.com, a leading South African information site for online betting and gambling, has welcomed the publication of draft amendments to the National Gambling Regulations, 2004 in Government Gazette No. 54106 (10 February 2026), issued by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition under Government Notice R. 7113.

The amendments focus on improving how South Africa’s Voluntary Exclusion Programme is administered and enforced through the National Register of Excluded Persons, alongside updates to technical rules related to gambling machine re-certification.

“Stronger, clearer processes around voluntary exclusion are an important part of player protection,” said Dennis Kumar, lead betting expert at Betting.za.com. “Anything that makes it easier to exclude, harder to bypass exclusion, and clearer for licensed operators to implement should be supported — because gambling should always stay safe, controlled, and within limits.”

What the Gazette Proposes

1) A clearer way to register for voluntary exclusion

Under the proposed wording, a person who wishes to be registered as an excluded person must submit a notice to the National Gambling Board (the “Board”) in hard copy or electronically using Form NGB 1/1. The notice must include, at a minimum, a recent passport-sized photograph or a digital colour photo with a stated minimum file size.

2) Tighter timelines for handling exclusion notices

The Gazette sets out specific timelines for processing and implementation:

• Operators must submit the notice to the Board on the day they receive it.
• The Board must capture the form within five days (excluding weekends and public holidays) and transmit a copy to licence holders and provincial licensing authorities.
• Operators must prepare and implement administrative processes within five days (excluding weekends and public holidays) after receiving the notice.
• A notice takes effect 10 days after the date it is submitted to the Board.
  

3) Stronger internal control expectations for enforcement

The draft amendments add explicit duties related to internal controls, including that licence holders must submit internal control measures to their provincial licensing authority within 90 days after the regulations come into operation, aimed at effectively enforcing exclusion measures within gambling venues and controlling non-participation by excluded persons. Provincial licensing authorities must then submit provincial registers and these internal control measures to the Board.

4) Updated re-certification timing for gambling machines and devices

The Gazette also proposes changes to the timing rules for re-certification of technical amendments to gambling machines and devices, tied to the letter of certification timeline, including a 24-month window in specified circumstances.

5) Updated forms substituted into the Regulations

The Gazette substitutes Forms NGB 1/1 and NGB 1/2, with the updated forms included in the annexure.

What This Means for Players

For players, the most important takeaway is clearer access to voluntary exclusion and stronger enforcement once a person chooses to self-exclude.

Voluntary exclusion is a formal “opt-out” from gambling

If someone feels they are at risk — or they want a firm barrier in place — voluntary exclusion is a formal way to have their details added to the National Register of Excluded Persons, which is accessible to provincial licensing authorities and licensed operators for enforcement.

What happens after you register

The updated Form NGB 1/1 explains that once accepted:

• You are excluded from designated gambling areas nationally
• Your name is included on the Register used by regulators and licensed operators
• You are not permitted to gamble while you remain on the Register.

If you gamble while excluded

The form also notes that gambling during exclusion is in contravention of the exclusion procedures, and any winnings accrued during that period may be forfeited and remitted to the Board.

Support is referenced directly in the official forms

The annexure references the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) and includes the toll-free helpline 0800 006 008, as well as an SMS/WhatsApp line shown on the form.

What This Means for Licensed Operators and Regulators

While voluntary exclusion begins with an individual’s decision, the Gazette places emphasis on how quickly and consistently the system is implemented across the market:

• Same-day escalation by operators to the Board after receiving a notice.
• A defined capture-and-distribution timeline for the Board (five days, excluding weekends and public holidays).
• Mandatory operator administration within five days, reinforcing that exclusion is not only recorded but operationalised.
• Formal internal control measures are submitted through provincial licensing authorities, strengthening accountability and auditability of enforcement.

Betting.za.com: Supporting Safer, Secure Gambling in the Legal Market

Betting.za.com publishes independent, plain-language guidance across betting and online casinos topics and focuses coverage on licensed operators as part of its broader commitment to safer play and informed decision-making.

“Our mission is to be South Africa’s most reliable and complete source of online betting and casino information,” said Kumar. “That includes making regulatory updates understandable, highlighting practical player protections like exclusion tools, and ensuring readers know where to find help when gambling stops being fun.”

About Betting.za.com

Betting.za.com is South Africa’s trusted source for honest, expert betting and casino information. Led by betting expert Dennis Kumar, the site publishes independent reviews, guides, and industry updates designed to help South Africans make informed choices and prioritise safety.

Responsible gambling support: NRGP toll-free helpline 0800 006 008

As New Zealand prepares for its most significant digital gambling reform in history, PlayCasino.co.nz, the country’s leading independent casino comparison site, has announced a comprehensive “Fair Play” audit across its platform. The initiative aims to protect Kiwi players from predatory offshore promotions as the nation transitions to a tightly regulated 15-license market.

The Online Casino Gambling Bill, coming into full effect on December 1, 2026, will end the unregulated offshore “grey market,” allowing only 15 government-approved operators to legally offer services to New Zealanders. In anticipation, PlayCasino.co.nz is updating its platform to ensure players can confidently identify operators committed to fair and compliant practices.

Navigating the End of the Grey Market

The new legislation introduces strict harm-minimization rules enforced by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), including:

• A $100 cap on inducements

• Plain-language terms and conditions

• A mandated 4% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) contribution to local community funding

While these changes boost consumer protection and grassroots sports funding, many players remain uncertain about which operators are currently safe. PlayCasino.co.nz’s audit bridges this gap, highlighting operators already aligning with the incoming 2026 regulatory standards.

Protecting Players Seeking No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses remain a top draw for Kiwis wanting to try casinos risk-free. However, in the final days of the grey market, some offshore platforms exploit these offers with hidden 100x wagering requirements, withdrawal limits, or ultra-short expiration times.

Through the “Fair Play” audit, PlayCasino.co.nz manually tests all no deposit bonuses to ensure transparency. Only operators that provide clear, understandable terms are featured, preventing deceptive tactics and aligning with the government’s consumer protection objectives.

Ensuring Fair Free Spins in a Mobile-First Market

With mobile gaming dominating New Zealand, free spins have become a staple promotion. Yet many offshore operators restrict spins to low-RTP games or cap maximum winnings at minimal amounts.

PlayCasino.co.nz rigorously evaluates mobile-specific promotions, verifying that free spins come with player-friendly terms and are compatible with high-quality games. This ensures bonuses comply with fair play principles rather than serving as a predatory lure.

New Standards for Casino Reviews

The audit also overhauls the structure and content requirements for all casino reviews. Each review now adheres to a standardized format prioritizing:

• Transparency of bonus terms

• Responsible gambling tools

• Readiness for DIA licensing

“The days of offshore casinos hiding predatory wagering requirements are over,” said Terri Radford, Head of Content at PlayCasino.co.nz. “Our new review standards ensure we only highlight casinos treating Kiwis fairly, especially as some overseas operators make aggressive last-minute efforts to lock in players.”

Guidance for Kiwi Players

PlayCasino.co.nz urges New Zealanders currently using offshore sites to:

• Review active accounts

• Withdraw pending balances from non-compliant operators

• Use the new “Fair Play” review hub to identify licensed, compliant casinos

About PlayCasino.co.nz
PlayCasino.co.nz is New Zealand’s premier independent destination for online casino reviews and industry news. Dedicated to player safety and transparency, the platform equips Kiwis with trusted operator recommendations, guides, and data to navigate the digital gambling landscape securely.

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As aviation in the Gulf faces disruption following reports of a drone strike near Dubai International Airport, global crypto platform 1win has coordinated a private evacuation operation for its VIP clients currently in the United Arab Emirates.

“Safety first,” 1win’s Owner commented on X. “When airports in Dubai closed and many were stranded, unsure how to leave, we organized the evacuation of our VIP clients on private jets in less than a day, ensuring they could return home safely without waiting for the situation to stabilize. We are here to support you in any situation.”

Commercial aviation in the region has been heavily impacted. Emirates temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai International Airport, advising passengers not to travel to the airport until security conditions improve. Several international routes have also been cancelled as airlines reassess operational risks.

To support VIP clients unable or unwilling to rely on disrupted commercial flights, 1win partnered with international charter operators to provide private aviation options. The program offered direct departures from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations across Latin America, Asia, and the CIS region.

Industry reports show a sharp surge in demand for business aviation in the UAE, with private jet charters and prices spiking as travelers seek alternatives to disrupted commercial services.

1win’s charter initiative remains active, with additional aircraft arranged to meet client travel requirements.

About 1win

Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto platform in the global gaming industry, operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The company provides a wide range of services tailored to regional audiences.

In recent years, 1win has expanded its ambassador program with high-profile figures:

• Johnny Sins (2024)

• MMA legend Jon Jones (2025)

• Gable Steveson, American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist (2026)

The post 1win Arranges Private Charter Flights for VIP Clients Leaving the UAE Amid Aviation Disruptions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.