Gamble For Free

Although South Africa passed gambling laws regulating online casinos way back in 2008, the rules are yet to be executed and put in place. This leaves the country’s gaming market open to be subjugated by illegal Internet gambling operators, giving easy access to trespassers. According to evidence this week at the National Gambling Review Commission, black market online gambling sites are flourishing due to the slow movement by government to follow through on the Interactive Gambling Act. The laid back attitude of the IGA is working in the favor of black market online gaming so to say!

The law would authorize up to ten Internet casino operators for the country and set up regulations and taxation for them. But implementation cannot start until Rob Davies, the Minister of Trade and Industry gives his approval to bordering regulations. Gambling rivals have refused to agree to the passage of the regulatory law, criticizing the supposed criminal links to gambling, and the unconfirmed social costs forced on gaming areas. In a surprisingly reverse process, the debate on Internet gambling is happening after the law has already been passed.

Wayne Lurie, who advised the committee that drafted reports on Internet gambling before the bill was passed in 2008, says the failure to move forward is “discomforting to the legislature.” Lurie categorically added, “The industry cries out for regulation.” Unlike land-based environments, where every transaction can be monitored and exact taxes levied. It’s the easiest environment to regulate, unlike the online gaming, which is a unique ballgame, and has its own restrictions and laws.