The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a statement indicating government is not considering legalising online gambling and warning Internet gambling operators that they will be taken to task if found offering it in SA.
This follows media reports suggesting there may be operators that are offering online gambling to South Africans. "Online gambling, or what others refer to as remote gambling, is not allowed in SA, and the National Gambling Board together with other law enforcement agencies will act on this illegal activity with immediate effect."
"The DTI has made it publicly clear that there is no intention on the part of government to propose the legalisation of online gambling in SA. This means this activity remains illegal, and any person offering or operating such a business is committing an offence under the law.
"Perpetrators, whether operating an illegal establishment or participating as individuals could be liable to a fine of up to R10 million and/or 10 years in jail."
On Tuesday ITWeb reported that the Remote Gambling Bill, which would legalise online gambling in SA, was re-gazetted at the end of last year, and is set to be tabled when Parliament reopens next month.
Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow minister of trade and industry Geordin Hill-Lewis - who initially gazetted the Bill as a private member's Bill - said he was optimistic the legislation would be adopted this time around.
The department paints a different picture, however, despite arguments that government is losing out on the opportunity to generate revenue through online gambling in the forms of taxes, generating tax revenue cannot be at the expense of the South African citizens - some of whom are over indebted and living in poverty.
"Online gambling is not desirable and the DTI has raised its objection to the proposal by the DA to legalise online gambling."
"There are a number of social ills associated with gambling, especially online gambling which occurs in unregulated and unsupervised locations. Other forms of gambling that are allowed in SA take place under strict supervision in locations that are designated for such activities.
"In our view no amount of control will adequately curb the harm that may be caused to South African citizens by online gambling, hence we reiterate that it must remain a banned activity."
The DTI and National Gambling Board urge members of the public to report online gambling and any other form of illegal gambling activities to the police on 08600 10111. The National Gambling Board can be contacted on 086 722 7713.
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