The DA’s push for the Remote Gambling Bill comes at a time of significant political change in South Africa. After nearly three decades of dominance, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the May elections.
Although the ANC remains the largest party, it no longer holds enough seats to govern alone, leading it to form a coalition government. The DA, once an opposition party, is now part of this governing coalition and is using its newfound influence to drive legislative changes, including the Remote Gambling Bill.
Aiming for Comprehensive Online Gambling Regulation
The proposed bill seeks to amend the National Gambling Amendment Act of 2008 and address the gaps in the current regulatory framework, which has long been criticized for its lack of comprehensive controls over online gambling. According to the DA, the ANC has failed to properly regulate this rapidly growing sector, leaving it vulnerable to crime and exploitation.
The DA’s proposed Remote Gambling Bill aims to bring the online gambling industry in line with the regulations that govern South Africa’s land-based gambling sector. Key proposals in the bill include the introduction of strict financial controls, a unified framework to combat criminal activity, and protections to prevent minors from accessing gambling services. The bill also emphasizes responsible gambling, player protections, and betting integrity.
Shifting the Licensing System
Another central element of the DA’s bill is the introduction of a new licensing system. Under the proposed legislation, provincial authorities would assume greater control over licensing for operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and maintenance providers, replacing the current centralized model managed by the National Gambling Board (NGB). This shift is designed to give local authorities more power to oversee the sector and tailor regulations to regional needs.
A Bill for the Future of South Africa’s Gambling Industry
The Remote Gambling Bill is seen by the DA as a critical step toward ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of the online gambling sector. With the bill set to close stakeholder consultations on 8 December, the DA is encouraging all interested parties to provide their input before the final text is considered.
The DA believes that this bill could be the first in a series of legislative actions aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring responsible gambling practices in South Africa.