We can date the history of gambling in South Africa back to around 1673. Although gambling wasn’t what it is now. It has taken a huge turn around. In 1965, gambling was banned officially and was passed into law. At this time Horse racing was the only game people could bet on. But the banning later opened room for illegal gambling across the country with an estimated 2000 illegal casinos within South Africa.
The ban was not lifted until 1994 when the new democratic government was elected. And by 1996 a single national lottery was launched, and many illegal casinos were given licences to operate in the market. The market became opened and gave rise to diverse gambling community within South Africa.
Gambling and licensing In South Africa
To obtain a licence for gambling in SA is no longer a difficult thing. It’s a straightforward process. There are gambling board, which are regulated by each province and the National Gambling Board as the supreme body.
You can obtain the national license if you’re applying as a manufacturer, supplier, maintenance supplier, or for those wanting to work within the gambling industry. The provincial license is only valid within a single province and it’s best suited for individual casinos.
You can apply for the two licenses at the provincial gambling boards through their official website or at their offices.
The entire application process can take up to 3 months and the cost of applications varies from province to province.
How to maintain your gambling license
Licenses do expire and so you’ll need to renew it every year depending on the set agreed upon.
Also, if you have obtained a license at the province, and now you want to obtain a licence from the national lottery board, you can upgrade your license.
All employees working under the company must be licensed and every device used must be registered before they can be legally used.
South Africa Anti-money Laundering Acts
South Africa has three acts which relate to Anti-money laundering: the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), and The Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA).
Their main duties and responsibilities are:
Identifying and also verifying clients.
Reporting any suspicious transactions.
Keeping records.
Training staff.
Reporting cash transactions over the prescribed limit.
Formulating and implementing internal rules.
South African Gambling Commission board Contact information
- Gauteng:
www.ggb.org.za
- Western Cape:
www.wcgrb.co.za
- Eastern Cape:
www.ecgbb.co.za
- Free State:
www.gla.fs.gov.za
- Kwazulu Natal:
www.kzngambling.co.za
- Mpumalanga:
www.mgb.org.za
- North West:
www.nwgb.co.za
- Limpopo:
www.lgb.org.za
- Northern Cape:
Good day sir/madam
My name is Samuel Pitso Seleka a Director of Ubunye security Academy company (pty)ltd i just need to know that is it possible to get a gambling license as a security service provider then if possible please send me the details and guideline