The vote by the people of the Republic of South Africa for the democratic order on 27 April 1994, made a compelling case for the transformation of all the government institutions to address the inhuman imbalances and inequalities which were institutionalised in the name of Apartheid. The National Gambling Board (“Board”), established in 1998 to nationally regulate the gambling industry, was no exception and processes were put in place to transform and reform gambling in South Africa.
The National Gambling Act, 1996 (Act No 33 of 1996) which was repealed by Act No 7 of 2004 (“the Act”) led to the establishment of the Board in 1998.
The regulation of gambling in the Republic was expected to enhance the national policy of reconstruction and development of our country. One of the policy objectives underlying the regulation of gambling in the Republic is that the industry must leverage direct fixed investments, contribute towards the process of Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment, create jobs and promote tourism. These were conditions precedent before gambling licences were issued. It is heartening to note that South Africa has managed as a country to realise most of its policy objectives. The Republic has realised investments of more than R12 billion, a lot of infrastructural development like the building of convention centres, employment opportunities continue being created since 1994. This proves beyond reasonable doubt the collective wisdom of the government in legalising gambling.
The Act enjoins the regulators to protect the public from excessive gambling. It is a fact from research studies commissioned by the Board, that a negligible minority of gamblers can become addicted, with serious consequences to themselves, families, work colleagues and their communities. In order to fulfil this statutory obligation and to promote the culture of responsible gambling, a body comprising of regulators, civil society as well as the industry called South African Advisory Council on Responsible Gambling (SAACREG) has been created at the initiative of the Board. One of the objectives of this body is to ensure that there is a culture of responsible gambling in the country. Coupled to SAACREG is the National Responsible Gambling Programme which is managed by the South African Responsible Gambling Trust which is chaired by an independent chairperson Dr Vincent Maphai.
Today, the South African gambling jurisdiction is held in high esteem among the international gaming fraternity. In the few years since gambling was legalised in South Africa, the Board has managed to adopt and adhere to international best practices in gambling.
After existing for nine years, the Board is proud to state that South Africa’s gambling regulatory practices have made a mark internationally. This was confirmed in January 2002 when the Board’s Chairperson, Mr Chris Fismer, was appointed as the Chairperson of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). He remains a member of the IAGR’s Steering Committee.
The IAGR is an organisation of gaming regulators from around the world who share information, best practice and experience on a continuing basis about matters of common interest in gaming.
Communication with stakeholders remains high on the Board’s agenda and in this regard a national gambling conference was launched in 2000. This has become a biennial event, and was held again in 2002 and 2004. The main objective of the conference is to take stock of South Africa’s regulatory environment and to engage all stakeholders in meaningful dialogue that will result in resolutions aimed at improving relationships and promoting regulatory best practices. The next conference will be held in April 2006 in Cape Town.
Finally the Board has in mind minimum conditions directed towards averting social risks that come into play where gambling takes place viz setting an admission norm for players in all cases, adults, operator’s, responsibility, regulation of supply, limiting the stimulation of demand and the prevention of fraud and criminality.
