The opposition party in South Africa, the Democratic Alliance, has recently tabled a remote gambling bill that intends to regulate online gambling in the country. Online gambling in the nation has been in a state of limbo for some time, so a South African online gambling bill will no doubt be welcomed by operators and players alike.
In this article, we take a look at this South African online gambling bill in more detail and discuss what chance it has of actually being passed. Read on to learn more.
Online Gambling in South Africa
Online gambling in South Africa currently exists in something of a grey area. The lack of any kind of regulatory framework means that online gambling, with the exception of sports betting, is technically illegal in the country. While authorities do little to pursue or prosecute individuals or groups taking part in online gambling, this uncertainty has held back the sector significantly, especially when compared to other developed countries.
Research has revealed that up to 71% of adults in South Africa play online casino games. This is an impressive statistic and clearly demonstrates that there is an appetite for online gambling services and products in the country. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that news of a South African online gambling bill has caused quite a stir. Let’s look at the bill in more detail.
The Proposed South African Online Gambling Bill
Officially titled the Remote Gambling Bill B11-2024, the proposed South African online gambling bill put forward by the Democratic Alliance maps out a framework to regulate online gambling in the country. This framework includes established rules for operators, protections for players and new licensing processes.
Schemes such as self-exclusion and deposit limit tools will be put in place to safeguard players, and operators will be prohibited from extending credit to customers. The bill also encompasses gambling advertising and states that this should be done in a responsible manner.
In terms of licensing, the proposed South African online gambling bill details three different kinds of licence, a remote operator licence, a manufacturer and supplier licence and an employer licence. Licences will be approved by the National Gambling Board and then monitored by the appropriate provincial authorities, with suspensions or withdrawals for those found to have breached the rules.
As things stand, there is no information regarding how much licence applications will cost. Similarly, no details have been published in regards to online gambling tax rates.
Will the Bill Pass?
Given that this new South African online gambling bill has been tabled by the opposition, it is by no means guaranteed to become enshrined in law. However, upcoming national elections could see the political landscape in South Africa shift, and the long-dominant African National Congress (ANC) could lose ground.
Should this happen, it would limit the ANC’s power to reject proposed legislation, which could prove to be the key to the new online gambling bill being passed.
Online gambling operators will certainly be hoping for such an eventuality, as the bill would transform the sector in South Africa. It would legitimise the industry and give it full access to a highly engaged market base. Furthermore, it would drive economic growth in the country, creating more job opportunities and accelerating technological development.
Players in South Africa will welcome safer channels and platforms to enjoy their favourite games, such as live Teen Patti, and new safeguarding measures included in the proposed bill will ensure they can do so with a greater degree of safety and security.
Conclusion
The proposed South African online gambling bill has caused excitement throughout the industry. It promises to revolutionise online gambling in the country and introduce much-needed reforms and regulations. Whether the bill will pass or not remains to be seen, but industry figures will be monitoring the situation closely.
