Gambling Review Commission Delays Report; South African Internet Casino Ban Stays

It seems little short-term relief is in sight for online gamers in South Africa, as a Gambling Review Commission report that might have helped modify a recent court judgment essentially banning activities related to Internet gambling in South Africa will be delayed.

The Gambling Review Commission had promised to deliver the report, which was to provide insight into the country’s gambling industry and set guidelines for potential changes to South African gambling laws, to trade and industry minister Rob Davies by August 31. Yesterday, however, commission representatives informed South African media that this deadline wouldn’t be met.

South African Department of Trade and Industry policy and legislation director Nomfundo Maseti said yesterday that “It’s safe to say that [the report] will be ready in about two weeks.” Maseti also explained that the commission was “looking at the industry holistically, including casinos, online gambling and horse racing, so as to do a comprehensive review.”

This was certainly little consolation to former players in the country, coming one day after South Africa-facing online casino Piggs Peak indicating they wouldn’t be continuing service in the country in light of the judicial decision.

Two weeks ago, a high court in Johannesburg passed a decision against Piggs Peak which basically makes it illegal to provide online casinos in South Africa, for Internet service providers (ISPs) to allow hosting of gambling online, for South African financial institutions to process casino transactions, to run gambling advertising for gambling websites, and for private citizens to play.