A bill to legalize and license online gaming sites operating in South Africa should go before the nation’s Parliament next month.
The bill was introduced by Democratic Alliance Parliament Member Geordin Hill Lewis and would require South Africa’s nine provinces to become more involved with regulating online gaming and also the issuing of betting licenses. The industry would be monitored and regulated by the South African National Gambling Board, which would still control final licensing.
South Africa’s gambling law was up for review last year, but action has been delayed in Parliament, where the issue is not seen as a priority, according to reports. Hill Lewis has said he is confident the bill will now be reviewed and acted on.
The bill has the endorsement of the Casino Association of South Africa, which issued a statement of support. The association has been running a publicity campaign outlining the dangers of betting illegally in the country at overseas online gambling sites.
