Gaming lawyer trashes South Africa’s amended bill

Gaming lawyer Garron Whitesman said the latest gambling Amendment Bill is comprised of “flawed, unrealistic and nonsensical policies.”

South Africa.- Last week, the South African government unveiled the Amendment Bill through which it plans to modify how gambling is structured and regulated. Nonetheless, the 49-page bill is filled with “flawed, unrealistic and nonsensical policies,” according to gaming lawyer Garron Whitesman.

“My view is the bill is a complete mess and is based on very flawed, unrealistic and nonsensical policies that have been devised by the Department of Trade and Industry,” he told iGamingBusiness.com. He added: “The biggest impact is on those bookmakers offering secondary lottery and betting on the outcome of lotteries type bets.”

The reform would include the National Gambling Board becoming the country’s regulator, being responsible for regulating wagers on lotteries and sports pools. “These parties are licensed under provincial gambling legislation by the provincial gambling boards, but the oversight and licensing of such activities is sought under the bill to be transferred to the National Lotteries Commission,” Mr Whitesman said and added: “There are many unknowns in this regard. My view is that if the Bill becomes law in its current form, the operators affected thereby will take the matter to court.”