South Africa: Online No Rival For Land Casinos
Published: Friday, August 31, 2007 Online-Casinos.com
SOUTH AFRICAN ONLINE GAMING NO COMPETITION FOR LAND INTERESTS
Internet gambling was expected to involve only about 2 percent of the gambling population compared with the 80 percent engaged in land-based casino activity
The South African publication Business Day reports that Internet gambling will involve only about 2 percent of the gambling population compared with the 80 percent engaged in land-based casino activity, according to the South African government's Department of Trade and Industry.
The figures were used to rebut claims by the Casino Association of SA that the introduction of online gambling would have a negative impact on its land casino members.
"There is no apparent threat to the land-based casino [industry] from interactive gambling" DTI acting deputy director- general Fungai Sibanda told Parliament's trade and industry committee this week, claiming that the market would determine the financial viability of internet gambling.
Sibanda was responding to suggested amendments to the National Gambling Amendment Bill made by gambling operators, civil society and religious groups. The bill will legalise and regulate internet gambling for the first time in South Africa.
Sibanda also rejected the demand by casino operators that they be automatically licensed to operate internet gambling, saying there was no known jurisdiction in the world that gave automatic licenses.
The licensing process had to be transparent, fair and open to allow new players into the industry. Sibanda stressed that person to person betting exchanges, as proposed by UK operator Betfair, would not be introduced before research into its implications was finalised - and this was a long way off.
Regulations issued by Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa will determine the registration and verification process for all players.
An old favorite brought back under a new software brand, U.S. friendly.
Use just one account to access poker, sports book and casino gaming.
Excellent number of high-quality games and great support.
Nice sign-up and on-going bonuses with fast cash withdrawal processing.
Good selection of fun games including some new, innovative games on offer.
Huge sign-up bonus with reasonable wagering requirements and an excellent look and feel.
New players receive an insane 200% bonus up to $1000 free on both their first and second deposit.
New players offered up to $888 free in sign up bonuses, a special bonus available for blackjack players as well.
