Senior Corporate Lawyer South Africa (Betting Operations / iGaming)

Black Pen Recruitment; Durban; Remote; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced attorney to ensure compliance for their South African wagering entities. The role involves managing licences, drafting commercial contracts, and providing legal guidance on regulatory matters. Ideal candidates have over 8 years in corporate/commercial law, particularly within the betting or fintech sectors. This is a full-time remote position based in South Africa.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in corporate/commercial law, particularly in regulated sectors.
• Strong understanding of fintech and betting regulatory environments.
• Proficient in drafting and negotiating contracts.

Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance and governance records for clients.
• Lead licence management and regulatory approvals.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Provide guidance on exchange-control and tax approvals.
• Oversee legal due diligence for M&A in Africa.
• Manage disputes with vendors and regulators.
• Conduct governance training for local leadership.

Skills

Corporate law expertise

Fluent English

Knowledge of the National Gambling Act

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation skills

Education

Admitted attorney

Job description

Our client believes in the power of Virtual Advancement—leveraging digital innovation and strategic foresight to help businesses excel in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on agility and adaptability, they work alongside organisations to simplify complexity, enhance operations, and implement strategies that foster long-term success.

Their team partners with startups, SMEs, and large enterprises across various industries, enabling clients to harness technology, data, and strategic insight to gain sustainable competitive advantage. From expanding into new markets to building resilient financial roadmaps, our client serves as a trusted advisor committed to creating meaningful impact. Whether the goal is operational optimisation or future‑focused growth, our client delivers the clarity and capability needed to navigate change and lead with confidence.

Role Overview

Keep our client’s South‑African wagering entities fully licence‑compliant, financially efficient, and ready for growth across the continent.

Job Type

Full‑time / Permanent

Location

South Africa

Workplace

Remote

Requirements

• Admitted attorney, 8+ years’ corporate / commercial track record in betting, fintech, or other regulated sector.
• Expert knowledge of National Gambling Act, provincial regulations, and SARB exchange‑control rules.
• Fluent English; Afrikaans or another local language strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Governance & filings – Maintain flawless CIPC records, B‑BEE certificates, UBO registers, and provincial‑board corporate returns.
• Licence management – Lead new applications, renewals, share‑change approvals, and key‑person vetting with Gauteng, Western‑Cape, and other boards; brief the MLRO on any conditions attached.
• Commercial contracts – Draft / drive negotiations for affiliate, data‑feed, sponsorship, and white‑label agreements; embed gambling‑act requirements and CPA provisions.
• Exchange‑control & tax – Guide finance on SARB approvals for dividends, loans, and IP royalties; flag thin‑cap risks and withholding‑tax triggers.
• M&A / expansion – Run legal due diligence for new African targets; manage data rooms, closing opinions, and post‑merger integrations.
• Dispute oversight – Own vendor, player, and regulator disputes; instruct and manage litigation counsel under capped‑fee or AFA terms.
• Policy & training – Roll out signing‑authority limits and director‑induction packs; run annual governance training for local leadership.