S. African Online Gambling Bill Heading for Approval
17th March, 2008
South African government has been reconsidering its current National Gambling Act of 2004, which makes all online gambling activity strictly illegal. The most recent development in the process is showing a stronger likelihood of online gambling becoming legal and available for South Africans some time soon.
Up until now the situation was such that no matter where the provider was licensed inside or outside South African borders, it was still prohibited to provide its services to South Africans and south Africans were prohibited to use any of online gambling services. Not a single licence has ever been issued letting any operator offer online gambling facilities.
The National Gambling Act is so tough in fact, it sentences to time in prison for those who breach it and gamble online despite the warnings.
Themba Marasha, chief operations officer of the National Gambling Board, feels it would be a better idea to issue licenses, followed by legislation in order to protect South Africans from corrupt web sites, they are not protected from in a current situation.
It is clear that South Africans eager to gamble, continue to gamble, but do it through foreign sites. With the bill proposed, the situation would be very different if it is to be successful in the National Assembly, the final stage needed for the approval.
The bill would allow online gambling sites to freely operate obeying the restrictions and regulations stated. The sites would also be allowed to promote their products and services as any other profit making organisation.
The firms would have to consider strictly the South African national technical standards.
By Elena
