Court rules against bookmakers offering casino games

The Supreme Court of Appeal has made a significant ruling regarding bookmakers offering roulette and other casino games. According to the court, bookmakers are not allowed to offer fixed-odds bets on casino games, including roulette. This decision upholds South Africa's gambling laws, which separate casinos, betting, and other forms of gambling into different categories.

The case was brought by the Casino Association of South Africa against certain bookmakers, including Supabets, who were offering casino-style games online. The court ruled that by offering these games, bookmakers are effectively operating as casinos, which is against the law.

This is because bookmakers are only allowed to offer bets on certain events, and casino games are not included.

The National Gambling Board (NGB) welcomes the court's decision, stating that it affirms the deliberate South African gambling policy approach to the regulation of casinos, betting, limited payout machines, and bingo as separate modes of gambling. The NGB emphasises that licensees are required to operate strictly within the parameters of their licensed gambling mode.

Implications for bookmakers

The court ruling means that bookmakers who offer online casino-style games are breaking the law and have an unfair advantage over licensed casinos. Licensed casinos are subject to stricter regulations and higher taxes, while bookmakers can reach a wider audience through online platforms. The NGB calls on bookmakers to comply with the law and refrain from offering casino-style games.

The NGB urges provincial licensing authorities to monitor bookmakers and take action against those who don't comply. The NGB is empowered to confiscate winnings associated with illegal gambling activities, including offering gambling on an activity or contingency that is unlawful. Interactive gambling is unlawful, and any person or entity offering such games is engaging in unlawful gambling operations.

Consequences of non-compliance

The National Gambling Act imposes criminal sanctions for anyone who acts in contravention of the Act, including imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding R10 million or both. The NGB will continue to work together with provincial licensing authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective enforcement of these measures.

"The NGB calls on the Provincial Licensing Authorities to monitor that their respective licensees comply with the applicable law and their licence conditions, and also ensure that swift and decisive action is taken in accordance with the applicable laws of the country in cases of non-compliance," says Mr Dukwana, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NGB.

The NGB aims to protect the public and maintain a fair and regulated gambling environment, ensuring that all operators comply with the law and regulations.