Once the Draft Gambling Amendment Bill becomes law – it is expected to be passed by Parliament early next year – the South African National Gambling Board says it will license online casinos. No time frame has been given for either the licensing process or the issue of licences as still under discussion are ways to regulate against underage gambling, money laundering and negative social impact, as well as setting tax levels.

Casino Enterprises, which operates the Swaziland-based Piggs Peak online gambling service, has been given until Friday to convince a judge that it should be able to advertise in South Africa. A Pretoria High Court judge ruled against the company last month and it is thought unlikely that he will change his ruling. At present only around 1% of South Africans gamble online because of lack of access to the Internet.

There has been no limit set for the number of online licences or other electronic licences such as mobile phone or interactive television. South Africa, in the same way as many other countries, has decided that ensuring online gamblers can play at well regulated sites is a better way forward than attempting to ban the activity. Both Spain and Italy have recently introduced legislation for granting online gambling licences and the UK is due to start licensing online operators next year. (E-12.12.06)

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