Last week, a bill to regulate online casinos and online gambling in South Africa gained some traction and may be heading toward approval.  It is very realistic that South Africans may soon enjoy the luxury of visiting online casinos.

The current National Gambling Act of 2004 forbids any form of gambling.  South African citizens are not allowed to play or bet at online casinos, even at web sites operated in foreign countries.  No licenses have been issued for operators to operate in the country.

As a matter of fact, if South Africans are caught gambling they face huge fines and prison time.  And as with all forms of prohibition, gambling has now gone underground and gamblers have no protection from underhanded online casinos.  Themba Marasha, chief operations officers of the National Gambling Board, believes that licensing will lead to independent and state protection agencies.

It is unclear how many people in South Africa are currently gambling despite its legal standing.  They bet at online casinos operated outside of the country, like: SilverSands, Piggs Peak, and African Palace Casinos.
 
Currently, a company is challenging the legal state of gambling in court.  This very suit may be enough motivation to create regulation laws for gambling and online casinos.

A Bill has been passed on to the Select Committee of National Provinces and may be passed next to the National Assembly for final approval.  Online casinos and gambling sites will be allowed to operate legal in the country.  Not only will they be allowed to operate, they will also be able to legally advertise. 

Online casinos simply have to meet certain standards set forth by the nation’s law makers.