|
Advertisement |
|
|
May 22 - Online gambling is effectively illegal in SA while the government
works on the legislation. The reality is that many gambling sites have been
actively advertising for years and online gambling is a popular pastime for
South Africans.
The Bill is the outcome of years of work by the National Gambling Board, who
have advocated that regulation is the way forward..
The National Gambling Amendment addresses the socioeconomic implications of
online gambling through a regulatory framework, with specific emphasis on these
following issues:
Protection of Players
This includes voluntary player exclusion, and fair gaming practices for
operators. Will include a mediation service for dispute resolution.
Protection of Minors and Vulnerable People
Registered players have to be 18 and older and the government will prescribe
measures to curb underage gambling.
Advertising Laws
Only licensed online gambling providers can advertise based on the same
restrictions for all other forms of gambling.
Licensing, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
Problem Gambling
Provisions in the bill allow for the monitoring and reporting of registered
players' gambling habits to assist the National Gambling Board in detecting
problems associated with addictive or compulsive gambling. The bill also
obligates online gambling providers to develop self-diagnosis systems to provide
players with early warning signs.
Money Laundering
The minister will have the ability to prescribe control systems in respect to
money laundering, which will allow for flexibility in dealing with technological
developments. Internet gambling sites will also be obligated to report
suspicious and illegal activities.
The bill was supposed to be in force by 2006 after the 2005 National Gambling
Act stated that an online gambling bills was supposed to be in place by 2006.
There is a widely held belief that online gambling in South African is the
source of rampant crime, money laundering and problem gambling. However, the
National Gambling Board has not produced any statistics to substantiate such
claims. The bill will hopefully address these concerns, but enforcement will be
the key.
Related Gambling Articles:
- 888 Signs Online Casino Software Deal With Rival Gaming - 05-26-08
- Opposition To UIGEA Implementation Still Growing - 05-25-08
- Hillary Clinton Faces Wrath over Eight Belles Gaffe - 05-24-08
- PokerStars Opens First Live Poker Room In Macau - 05-23-08
- Will Big Brown Win Triple Crown With The Belmont Stakes - 05-21-08
- eCOGRA Fair Gaming Advocate Releases Q1 Dispute Report - 05-20-08
- Jackpot Factory Launch An Online Casino Credit Lotto- 05-19-08
- Party Poker Bankroll Builder Levels The Playing Field - 05-18-08
|
Del.icio.us
Digg
Google
Spurl
Furl
Simpy
Y! MyWeb
OnlyWire
Redit
StumbleUpon
Technocrati