SOUTH AFRICAN ONLINE GAMING REGULATION WILL IMPACT SOFTWARE VENDORS

17 August 2007

Developers of online gambling software will have to meet strict criteria under proposed new regulatory laws

More details are emerging on the proposed new law to regulate and license online gambling in South Africa (see previous InfoPowa reports) It is becoming apparent that software providers with ambitions in that market will have to be licensed in terms of the new amendments to the National Gambling Act being proposed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) .

Brian Muthwa, director of legal affairs at the DTI, told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on trade and industry this week that such licences will be issued as national licences. They include operator licences, employee licences for key staff and licensing/testing and certification of interactive gambling software, equipment, and the manufacturers, suppliers and maintenance providers of interactive gaming equipment.

“We have to ensure that all those who are involved in the production and distribution of interactive gaming software and equipment are properly licensed,” he said.

The regulatory requirements will extend to software vendors located outside SA, who would also have to be licensed, Muthwa said.

“This is because those games would be accessible to South African players from anywhere in the world,” he explained.

Conditions for awarding such licences would include a commitment to socio-economic upliftment and compliance with broad-based black economic empowerment requirements, he concluded.

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