It has been reported that the online gambling industry is infested with criminal activities and that it is responsible for social ills, much like drugs and alcohol.

In an attempt to curb these negative consequences and to offer “protection” to players, the South African Parliament this week approved an online gambling law intended to regulate the industry and limit loss of revenue to the country’s coffers.

The implications of the regulatory framework is that online gambling service providers will have to be licensed and that players will be required to register with a licensed service provider; an affidavit will be necessary to confirm that the player is over age 18.

IT is envisaged that an electronic monitoring device will be implemented to curb addictive behaviour and to limit the extension of credit to players.

These efforts are aimed at ensuring that service providers are fair, honest and responsible. The president’s signature is required before the new law can come into effect.

Implementation of the regulatory framework will be the responsibility of the South African National Gambling Board.