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Two Percent of South Africans Ready to Gamble OnlineAccording to the South African government's Department of Trade and Industry, a mere two percent of the gambling population in South Africa are prepared to gamble online. This can be contrasted with the 80 percent of gamblers who prefer land-based casinos. These figures produced by the government and reported in Business Day were released to refute statements made by the Casino Association of South Africa that land-based casinos would suffer if the country legalizes online gambling. Fungai Sibanda, deputy director general of the Department of Trade and Industry told media this week that “there is no apparent threat to the land-based casino [industry] from interactive gambling.” In recent weeks, the National Gambling Amendment Bill, which will legalize and regulate internet gambling, has been criticized by gambling operators and religious groups. Sibanda responded to criticisms and also stated that casino operators will not be granted automatic licenses to provide internet gambling services. He said that the route gambling firms will have to take to attain licenses must be fair and democratic. Currently a registration and age verification process for all players is still awaiting sign off by Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa. Back to News Archive - October 2007 |
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