Western Cape Gambling Board warns lawmakers on National Gambling Amendment Bill
The WCGRB told the committee it is strongly against the planned extension of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS) to casinos, bingo and betting.
South Africa.- The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) has warned lawmakers against implementing certain provisions of the National Gambling Amendment Bill, arguing that they would override effective provincial oversight and impose additional costs on licensed operators.
During a presentation to the provincial legislature’s finance portfolio committee on Tuesday, December 2, board representatives reiterated their opposition to the bill that has been before Parliament since 2018.
The WCGRB told the committee it is strongly against the planned extension of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS) to casinos, bingo and betting. The board said in its written submission: “A national central monitoring system for all types of gambling is simply not viable nor desirable.” It added that the province already operates its own certified and audited systems that suit local needs.
Peter-John Abrahams, Chief Executive Officer of the WCGRB, explained that forcing operators to connect to a national platform would mean extra levies and the replacement of equipment that already meets strict standards.
The board also asked for the removal of wording that would allow national inspectors to investigate illegal gambling “with or without” provincial officials, saying it would create confusion and duplication. On unlawful winnings, the WCGRB insisted that funds from illegal operations must continue to flow to the provincial treasury under existing Western Cape law, rather than be seized directly by national authorities.
Committee Chairperson and Western Cape finance MEC Deon Meyer said the province will finalise its formal stance after considering all inputs. The bill still requires the approval of at least five provinces in the National Council of Provinces before it can be passed into law.
