S.A. POLITICIANS TO DISCUSS GAMBLING REVIEW

Posted 3/7/11 : Much delayed recommendations now with government

SA government insiders have claimed that the much-delayed review of South African gambling, including online gambling, may finally be discussed in the coming weeks, having been delivered into government hands.

Industry observers have been monitoring the review carefully in the hope that it may help clarify the government's true position on internet gambling, at present declared illegal by the SA Gambling Board following a High Court decision that went against the Swaziland-based Casino Enterprises.

In early September 2010 the review commissioners announced that the findings were not yet ready, having missed the end-August deadline for submission.

The Commission was given a wide mandate to study all aspects of South African gambling, including its social impact. South African Department of Trade and Industry policy and legalization director Nomfundo Maseti said last year that the commission was looking at the industry holistically, including casinos, online gambling and horse racing.

The Commission is chaired by Ms Astrid Ludin supported by Ms Adheera Bodasing, Professor Siphiwe Nzimande, Mr Clement Mannya and Dr Stephen Louw.