If the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Bill becomes law, then gambling at all types of venues will come under one regulator. Casinos and betting on horseracing, bingo and limited payout machines will all be licensed and regulated by a new provincial Gaming and Betting Board. The bill also provides for restrictions on gaming and betting, licensing of operators, appointment and authorisation of inspectors, and the imposition of fees, taxes, levies and penalties.

There are restrictions on advertising within sight of a school, place of worship or institution and in media aimed at under-18s. There is a provision to allow credit to be extended at casinos. There are regulations against cheating or cheating devices and rewards can be offered for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of anyone contravening the Act. Gambling debts will become enforceable by law. There are also restrictions on using the name ‘casino’ without a valid licence or where only bingo and/or limited payout machines are played.

All assets, liabilities, rights, duties and obligations that existed under the KwaZulu-Natal Bookmakers Control Committee and the KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board will be transferred to the new KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board. Yesterday the Gaming and Betting Bill was tabled by the Premier’s Department before the Portfolio Committee in Pietermaritzburg. There was some concern over the provision for casinos to extend credit and for gambling debts to be enforceable. (E-07.19.07)

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