DA introduces South African remote gambling bill

The Democratic Alliance (DA) presented its Remote Gambling Bill, 2024, in Parliament on April 17th, following two years of preparation and consultations with industry professionals. This move is in response to the ANC's failure to provide sufficient protection and regulation in the online gambling industry.

In 2008, the National Gambling Amendment Act was passed to regulate online gambling. However, after nearly 16 years, it has yet to be implemented, leaving a legal vacuum in the industry. This is concerning given the significant growth and advancements in online usage since then, as the lack of regulation encourages criminal activity and undermines the rule of law, while leaving the public unprotected compared to land-based gaming operations. Additionally, the absence of regulation results in the loss of billions of Rands in revenue and jobs to other gambling jurisdictions.

The ANC government has shown no interest in protecting players and the industry from criminal elements over the past 16 years. Therefore, the DA has taken it upon itself to ensure adequate protection through the introduction of this private member's bill.

The Bill aims to regulate the issuing of licenses by provincial authorities, rather than the centralized national gambling board, which currently operates in a diminished capacity; establish procedures for objections to license issuance; regulate advertising for interactive/online gambling entities; protect minors and vulnerable individuals; and ensure compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).