New Remote Gambling Bill Aims To Regulate Online Gambling in South Africa

The Remote Gambling Bill (B11-2024) introduces a comprehensive set of regulations in South Africa to address the current absence of oversight in online gambling. Despite a bill being proposed in 2008, South Africa lacks regulation in this domain, with the National Gambling Amendment Act, intended to regulate online gambling, remaining unsigned for 16 years after presidential assent.

DA Proposes Online Gambling Bill To Protect South Africans

The Democratic Alliance highlights the urgent need to address this regulatory gap, emphasizing the bill's meticulous crafting over two years. They assert that the proposed legislation balances safeguarding consumers, regulating operators, and ensuring effective administration.

According to the Democratic Alliance, the lack of regulation not only fosters criminal activity but also results in significant revenue losses and job displacement to other gambling jurisdictions. They criticize the ANC government's inaction over the past 16 years, attributing it to a failure to protect players and the industry from criminal elements.

What Does The Remote Gambling Bill Entail?

The bill outlines three types of licenses: remote gambling operator, manufacturer or supplier, and employment. License applications will be processed by provincial licensing authorities, with the National Gambling Board having the final authority to issue licenses. Provincial authorities will collaborate with the board to monitor operations and address illegal activities.

The bill stipulates that licenses may be suspended or revoked for breaches of licensing conditions, and holders can request license transfers or surrender subject to the board's discretion. However, details regarding license costs and tax rates for online gambling are not specified.

Regarding regulations, the bill restricts remote gambling to individuals aged 18 and above and prohibits operators from extending credit to players. Consumers can opt out of gambling through a self-exclusion scheme, and licensees must provide responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits. Advertising regulations mandate that online gambling advertisements be transparent and include responsible gambling messages.

What Does The New Online Gambling Bill Propose?

The ANC's longstanding dominance in South African politics may face a challenge in the upcoming national and provincial elections on 29 May, with polling indicating a potential decline in the ANC's majority. This shift could enhance the likelihood of the approval of the Remote Gambling Bill, as the ANC would no longer have an automatic majority in parliament.

The Democratic Alliance sees bills like the Remote Gambling Bill as crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals. It views the ANC's potential loss of majority as an opportunity to advance legislation essential for South Africa's welfare.