Online gambling rejected in South Africa
Sports betting services are the only legal gambling allowed for the online market in South Africa.
South Africa.- The National Assembly of South Africa put a stop in the legalisation of the online gambling industry promulgated by Geordin Hill-Lewis, member of the national Parliament representing the Democratic Alliance –DA–. Only sports betting market has the green light to operate in the country.
Hill-Lewis’ Remote Gambling Bill was rejected during the Assembly’s last reunion, last week. The regulation draft aimed at legalising online gambling services, such as poker and casino operations and controlling the further incomes to enhance South African economy.
However, the country is not ready yet to take the step and majority of members of the Parliaments decided to put an end to the Remote Bill. National Assembly is the second entity that rejects the project, in May Hill-Lewis’ proposal also faced rejection from South Africa’s Trade and Industry Committee.
Currently, several illegal online gambling sites operate in the country, although the government can punish both operators and players, as Jan Esterhuizen, member of the Parliament representing the Freedom Party, explained during the debate. Authorities can set fines of US$6.3 million –R$10 million– and jail convictions of over 10 years.
