With the sharp rise in online gambling, particularly among low-income communities, parties such as Rise Mzansi and the DA are urging swift legislative action.
Makashule Gana of Rise Mzansi described the situation as dire, warning that many South Africans, especially social grant recipients, are gambling away essential income.
"It is a huge concern to us that many people, especially poor people relying on social grants, are gambling at the rate they are. Many people gamble money they should be using to buy essentials," said Gana.
He accused the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) of failing to take the crisis seriously.
"I don't believe the Minister of Trade and Industry is paying enough attention to the gambling crisis."
Gana described current regulations as inadequate but insisted that more could still be done within the existing legal framework. He called for immediate limits on advertising and for gambling companies to fund rehabilitation services.
"The gambling companies must pay for the damage they are causing so that gambling addicts can be treated," Gana said, also stressing the need for involvement from the departments of Social Development and Health in public education efforts.
DA MP Toby Chance confirmed that the Remote Gambling Bill is moving forward.
"The bill has been published and 17 written submissions have been received," he said, noting it will be introduced to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition in the next parliamentary term, beginning on April 21.
However, the process may be complicated by the Gambling Amendment Act, currently with the Mediation Committee, which may recommend merging the two bills to streamline oversight.
Chance outlined several provisions in the bill aimed at regulating the currently unchecked online gambling environment, including banning minors from gambling, prohibiting operators from extending cred...
Makashule Gana of Rise Mzansi described the situation as dire, warning that many South Africans, especially social grant recipients, are gambling away essential income.
"It is a huge concern to us that many people, especially poor people relying on social grants, are gambling at the rate they are. Many people gamble money they should be using to buy essentials," said Gana.
He accused the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) of failing to take the crisis seriously.
"I don't believe the Minister of Trade and Industry is paying enough attention to the gambling crisis."
Gana described current regulations as inadequate but insisted that more could still be done within the existing legal framework. He called for immediate limits on advertising and for gambling companies to fund rehabilitation services.
"The gambling companies must pay for the damage they are causing so that gambling addicts can be treated," Gana said, also stressing the need for involvement from the departments of Social Development and Health in public education efforts.
DA MP Toby Chance confirmed that the Remote Gambling Bill is moving forward.
"The bill has been published and 17 written submissions have been received," he said, noting it will be introduced to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition in the next parliamentary term, beginning on April 21.
However, the process may be complicated by the Gambling Amendment Act, currently with the Mediation Committee, which may recommend merging the two bills to streamline oversight.
Chance outlined several provisions in the bill aimed at regulating the currently unchecked online gambling environment, including banning minors from gambling, prohibiting operators from extending cred...
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The Mercury (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 28, 2025