Compliance & Legal Specialist

Initiate International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global gaming company based in Johannesburg seeks a Compliance & Legal Specialist to lead compliance functions. This role involves ensuring regulatory compliance across operations and requires a degree in a related field along with at least 3 years of relevant experience in the iGaming or Sports Betting industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of licensing processes and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years compliance experience within regulated iGaming or Sports Betting.
• Understanding of licensing processes, risk management, and operational governance.
• Experience with MGA, UKGC, or equivalent licensing bodies.

Responsibilities

• Support oversight of business regulatory obligations.
• Monitor compliance levels and interpret gaming laws.
• Lead investigations into compliance breaches.

Skills

Compliance experience

Regulatory understanding

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Education

Degree in Law, Business Administration, Compliance, Accounting

Job description

Compliance & Legal Specialist required in Johannesburg.

As the Compliance & Legal Specialist, you’ll play a central role in shaping and protecting the business regulatory position as it continues to expand globally.

You’ll oversee a range of compliance functions from licensing and reporting to marketing and affiliate oversight ensuring the company remains compliant, ethical, and audit-ready across all operations.

You’ll partner closely with leadership, legal, and risk teams to embed a culture of proactive compliance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the oversight of business regulatory obligations and assist in implementing monitoring plans.
• Assist in identifying and assessing regulatory compliance requirements.
• Support the implementation of controls and processes to ensure compliance.
• Monitor and reports on compliance levels.
• Monitor and interpret and provide updates around gaming laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide support in compliance with licensing conditions and codes of practice (e.g., MGA, SGA, UKGC).
• Support with drafting, reviewing and finalising license applications, renewals, and reporting obligations.
• Support the design and maintenance of governance and compliance frameworks.
• Assist in communicating legislative changes and their impact on business operations.
• Provide input on solutions to compliance challenges.
• Participate in compliance training sessions.
• Contribute to fostering a compliance culture through updates, workshops, and information sessions.
• Lead investigations into compliance breaches and implement corrective actions.
• Assist in identifying compliance risks and their impact.
• Implement audit recommendations within the Compliance function.
• Support the development of mitigative solutions for compliance risks.
• Assist in evaluating communications to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to compliance audits of marketing activities.
• Support training for marketing staff on compliance requirements.
• Review affiliate agreements for regulatory adherence.
• Monitor affiliate activity for compliance.
• Support investigations into affiliate compliance violations and help implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to cross-functional awareness of compliance requirements.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to enhance compliance delivery.
• Establish sound relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Implement measures to enhance customer experience by ensuring compliance standards are met.

Requirements:

• A qualified professional with a degree in Law, Business Administration, Compliance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Bring a minimum of 3 years compliance experience within the regulated iGaming or Sports Betting industry this is essential.
• Deep understanding of licensing processes, risk management, and operational governance in a global gaming environment.
• Hands‑on experience working with MGA, UKGC, or equivalent licensing bodies.
• Proven track record in marketing and affiliate compliance ensuring player protection and adherence to responsible gaming principles.
• Detail‑oriented, analytical, and unflappable under pressure.
• An excellent communicator, capable of influencing across departments and presenting complex information clearly.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and commercially aware, with a strong ethical compass.