SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Democratic Alliance Parliament Member Geordin Hill Lewis has set to revive South Africa’s remote gambling bill under the National Gambling Amendment of 2008.
Hill Lewis will put the bill forward with its new amendments to South Africa’s Parliament when hearings re-open in February. The politician is optimistic of progressing regulated online gambling services for South Africa.
The bill will look to make South Africa’s nine provinces take a more active role in the regulation and issuing of remote gambling and betting licenses. South Africa’s online gambling market would be monitored and have to adhere to codes and practices set by the South African National Gambling Board.
South Africa’s remote gambling bill was due to be examined in late 2014, however the country’s gambling sector was rocked by allegations of corruption in September 2014 concerning the National Gambling Board. The hearing of the bill was therefore suspended, until the country’s trade ministry carried out its investigation into the allegations.
Hill Lewis bill has received the support of the Casino Association of South Africa, who issued a statement of support, urging the government to begin to legislate for online gambling and sports betting product and services for South African consumers.
