South Africans plan to tackle illegal gambling

Addressing the National Gambling and Liquor Policy Council Monday, South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies called for a clear national gambling strategy and action plan to tackle illegal gambling of all types.

Davies suggested that enforcement, licensing and other interested parties at provincial and national level should be consulted and collaborate with the National Gambling Board, which has been given a mandate to prepare an action plan on curbing illegal gambling.

“The public has been urged to participate in the public hearings to ensure that their views are presented on matters pertaining to gambling in the country,” the Council noted, emphasising the need for provincial licensing authorities to participate and enrich inputs as well as make recommendations.

The council reiterated that the regulation of bingo remains an element considered within the Gambling Review Commission report by Parliament. The minister said this aspect would be subsumed in the broader review process, pending public consultations by the NCOP, which will inform on how the country must proceed with a national policy and regulatory framework for bingo as a whole.

“A moratorium on the issuance of all automated bingo due must be halted,” explained Davies.

The meeting highlighted the need for a national norms and standards framework to guide all gambling activities.

South Africa has long flirted with the idea of legalised and regulated online gambling , but despite the positive recommendations of the government’s Gambling Review Commission, the pastime remains illegal in South Africa.

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