A DTI statement warned companies and operating entities of this business that if they offer online options, they will be sanctioned in accordance with the regulatory provisions in force, Prensa Latina News Agency reports said.

The ministerial explanation thus responded media reports that this week suggested that President Jacob Zuma administration is changing his mind about this concept.

Online games and all their trading derivatives are banned in South Africa.

The National Board on Betting and other agencies will be vigilant and will act according to the law if it detects violations, said the DTI message.

There is a number of social ills associated with online gambling, the national government does not intend to pass this business on the web and put citizens at risk, concluded the text.