South Africa is one among other countries where online gambling is yet to be legalized and as such South Africa is still in limbo in this regard, and it looks like the phase will continue until a commission ends its findings and then presents it to Parliament. Nomfundo Maseti, Director of Policy and Legislation in South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry has stated that South Africa has an estimated 0.5 million online gamblers and the department is unaware of the ratio of money being won or lost illegally. Since there are no regulations in place to control the industry, the online gambling activity in South Africa is being carried out illegally and online players are running a risk, as there is no security for their winnings.

Though lawmakers passed a bill about 2 years ago to regulate and license online casino software, nothing has happened ever since and no gaming law has been implemented. Infact the Anti-gaming legislators have asked for more time to study online gambling, while the Gambling Review Commission hopes to present a report by July this year. South African law permits fines and imprisonment for patrons of unlawful gambling sites. Players however resort to playing at foreign-based online casinos and this is exactly what the government pre-empted when it considered legalizing online gaming.

It is a proven fact worldwide that online gambling can prove to be a revenue generator for the government. However, if the government decides to regulate and license online gambling, the National Gambling Board has decided to issue only 10 licenses in South Africa. One of the conditions would be that gambling operators would have to prove their presence in South Africa and that their financial transactions would have to be tracked within the country’s borders.

Nomfundo Maseti had mentioned that there are a number of applications for licenses pending with the government and the delay in taking a decision is causing them irritation and frustration. Due to the indecisiveness of the government, the various constituencies are going ahead and doing whatever pleases them, such that players get to play their favourite casino game online.