.svg)
South Africa’s parliament is moving ahead with proceedings on the National Gambling Amendment Bill (B27B), marking the first progress on the bill since it was formally revived last year.
The bill, which was introduced in 2018, was officially revived last July 25 before proceedings lapsed on the last day of the previous parliament.
The bill has been awaiting the formation of a parliamentary Mediation Committee since that time, with one lawmaker previously telling Vixio GamblingCompliance that it was sitting in “no man's land”.
The bill was finally referred to the Mediation Committee on May 15 for consideration and report.
On May 29, the Mediation Committee on the National Gambling Amendment Bill, comprising members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, held a closed meeting.
The committee was briefed by the National Gambling Board, as well as provincial gambling boards, on the bill, according to an update from parliament.
Another closed meeting is scheduled for today (May 30), during which the committee will deliberate on the bill.
The bill includes a range of amendments to the National Gambling Act 2004, including the dissolution of the National Gambling Board and the establishment of the National Gambling Regulator, as well as providing new powers to prevent payments to unlicensed operators, and for the forfeiture of unlawful winnings to the National Gambling Regulator.
A separate Remote Gambling Bill (B11-2024), which aims to provide a regulatory framework for online gambling activities, promote responsible gambling, tackle underage gambling and prevent gambling from being used to support criminal activities, is waiting to be tabled before the Portfolio Committee of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Under the proposal, the issuance of three gambling licence types would be the responsibility of provincial authorities, not the National Gambling Board.
The Remote Gambling Bill is expected to be presented to parliament at some point this year.
National Lottery Controversy Not Over
The consortium Sizekhaya Holdings has been awarded South Africa’s National Lottery and Sports Pool Licence, replacing Ithuba Holdings, which has operated the National Lottery since 2015.
The long and controversial tender process could yet see more twists, as Ithuba is reportedly considering taking legal action against the decision announced by Parks Tau, the minister of trade, industry and competition, on Wednesday.
Tau said his decision was based on a report from the National Lottery Commission that he received two days prior, which recommended Sizekhaya for the six-year licence.
“It is most unfortunate that this matter has already become the subject of litigation and a judgment of the High Court,” he said in a statement.
“I am seeking legal advice with a view to appealing against the judgment’s findings and orders, and I reserve all my rights concerning this judgment.
“With due respect to the Honourable High Court, my announcement is the result of my undertaking made to the bidders and the Court before the hearing of the application," Tau said.
