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April 25 - Just when you thought South Africa could not become more third world
in its governance, the government has gone and surprised us all with news that
it intends on taking a very much first world stance regarding online gambling, namely to legalise and regulate it.
Apparently having carefully observed the United States online gambling ban and its subsequent unpopularity amongst its citizens, our government has realised that banning online casinos and the use thereof is definitely not the way to go.
This is obviously great news for South African online gambling fans, although
the more cynical of us may perhaps be wondering what the catch could be. Could
the government be plotting to impose a hefty tax of some sort on online gamblers and their winnings?
We sincerely hope not. Though the decision to regulate online gambling has of
course been smothered by the usual rumblings of 'how online gambling will
contribute to gambling addiction' as well as 'encourage underage gambling'.
What a load of poppycock! The unfortunate reality is that anyone with a gambling
addiction or potential gambling addiction can currently 'feed their habit'
anytime they want, night or day through a large selection of LEGAL sources.
These of course include a variety of land casinos dotted all over South Africa, the
National Lottery (which while temporarily on hiatus, will no doubt soon return),
sports betting shops (TAB) and, lets not forget, loads of horseracing courses.
As for the underage gambling question, the reality is that it is harder to gamble online as a South African below the age of 18 then it is to buy a box of cigarettes, a Lotto ticket, a six pack, a dirty magazine or movie or even drugs for that matter.
However, this is not a time to be negative as we sincerely hope that the government does follow through on its plans to legalise and regulate gambling online. It would be wonderful for online gamblers as well as for local online gambling companies and thus the economy.
The government is expected to publish legislation before the end of the year
to regulate online gambling.
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