The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's official opposition party, has introduced a new bill aimed at regulating remote gambling within the country. This move comes as a response to what the party perceives as a significant gap in the current gambling legislation.
Despite the existence of pending legislation since 2008, South Africa currently lacks comprehensive regulation for the gambling industry. The Democratic Alliance contends that this regulatory vacuum leaves players and the industry vulnerable to exploitation by criminal elements.
The proposed bill seeks to address this issue by establishing a framework for regulating online gambling. It outlines three types of licenses: one for remote gambling operators, another for providers of online casino maintenance services, and a separate permit for employment within the industry. All license applications will be submitted to provincial licensing authorities, with the National Gambling Council having the final authority in issuing licenses.
The Democratic Alliance views this bill as a necessary step toward providing adequate protection for players and the gambling industry in South Africa, filling the void left by the government's inaction over the past 16 years.
