South African Government Considering Full Ban On Online Gambling

According to the proposal submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry and currently being under discussion, online gambling may be prohibited in the near future across South Africa. The push comes after studies revealed a high percentage of problem gamblers in the country and it is considered that the government has the power to enforce the concept if it becomes law.

The National Gambling Policy Council represents the interests of both national and provincial governments and it is now considering the proposal to prohibit online gambling completely, including newer forms such as dog racing. As part of the bill, the department also proposed that electronic bingo terminals should be limited on a national scale.

As soon as the council finishes with the discussions, a draft policy will be sent to the Cabinet where it will await approval. Public comment will then be available on the matter and alternatives will be considered.

Strict Regulations in the Industry

Zodwa Ntuli, the deputy director-general of the department, stated earlier this week that the proposal to issue a ban on all forms of online gambling was based in no small part on the capability of the government to enforce the regulations. Traditional gambling is also targeted and the proposal wants to limit the options to just the traditional forms available right now.

MacDonald Netshitenzhe added that online gambling does not create a quantifiable number of jobs that would affect the working force if a ban would be implemented throughout the industry.

Opposition from the Democratic Alliance

The ban on online gambling was not seen as a good idea by the Democratic Alliance, which expressed strong opposition to the proposal. The main argument is that the demand for online gambling options in South Africa is fairly high and that the government needs to facilitate them in s safe way rather than eliminate the offer entirely.

Banning would also demand huge resources from the government in order to enforce and prevent it in the country, according to Geordin Hill-Lewis, DA spokesman.