The Democratic Alliance (DA) in South Africa is taking substantial strides toward backing the Remote Gambling Bill in an effort to revamp the nation’s disjointed and outdated gambling legislation.
Guided by Toby Chance, a member of the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry & Competition Committee, the DA aims to utilize its enhanced influence to gain deeper insights into the proposed Remote Gambling Bill, which is undergoing its final text review scheduled for December 8th.
Advocating for changes to the National Gambling Amendment Act of 2008, the party is actively soliciting feedback from stakeholders, with submissions open until the week’s end.
**Political Dynamics**
For years, the African National Congress (ANC) had maintained a monopolistic grip on power, ruling unchallenged for 16 years without fully establishing a robust framework for online gambling regulation. However, the political landscape shifted following South Africa’s May elections, which marked a historic loss for the ANC, stripping them of a parliamentary majority for the first time in decades. Although they received the most votes, they fell short of the required seats to govern alone, prompting a search for coalition allies, including the DA—a typical opposition force.
**Call for Legislative Reforms**
This bill marks two years of development, having reached Parliament this past April, just before the elections when the ANC still held the reins. The DA contends that the ANC has thus far failed to effectively regulate the online gambling sector. The proposed bill is set to introduce robust protections that align with the current safeguards in South Africa’s physical gaming establishments.
Key features of the bill include comprehensive financial oversight, a cohesive framework to prevent criminal undertakings, measures to safeguard minors, and strategies for sustainable growth ensuring the industry’s longevity. The bill also seeks to enhance betting integrity, promote responsible gambling, and bolster player security.
Moreover, the DA advocates for a new licensing system encompassing “operator, manufacturer, supplier, and maintenance provider licenses,” entrusting local provincial authorities with regulatory duties instead of relying on the nationally managed central model overseen by the National Gambling Board (NGB).
“It is initiatives like the Remote Gambling Bill that are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable populations. With the ANC now under 50% in governing seats, the DA is poised to usher in numerous Bills intended to revitalize South Africa,” the party stated.
Stakeholders are invited to contribute their perspectives on the DA’s proposals, with submissions closing on December 8th.