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SOUTH AFRICA
funds a very comprehensive problem gambling program, which comprises public education,
staff training and of course treatment. It’s acknowledged as one of the best problem gam-
In marked contrast to what has been happening in the UK, South Africa’s casino industry bling programs in the world.”
is enjoying a settled period. The industry has matured and, because of the limited number Casino operators are happy, and gaming is having a largely positive impact on the coun-
of casino licenses available in the country, the advent of online gaming legislation is caus- try. Common sense prevails and the industry benefits.
ing some excitement.
But mainly, explains Casino Association South Africa Chief Executive Derek Auret, the
industry has not changed significantly in the past 12 months. He said: “There has been
some consolidation of some entities, but it’s really not been that significant. The industry
has matured, and that’s where we are right now.
It’s settled down to a regulatory routine which is pretty well accepted as a fairly good one;
there’s been good growth in the industry, the issues which confronted us a couple of years
ago have gone away, problem gambling is under control and the businesses are doing well.
“For example, a casino in KZN was bought out by Century Casinos, which actually dou-
bled their presence in the South African casino market. These guys have very few options
because there are no more casino licenses available, so the only possible way forward is
either to expand their business through takeovers or mergers, expanding abroad or diversi-
fying their product.”
That’s where internet gaming comes into the equation, Derek elaborated: “The legislation
is under consideration but nothing has been formalised for internet gaming in South
Africa. But our members don’t really feel threatened by the potential for online gaming
here; it’s a different market, for one thing, and it looks as though our land-based casinos
might be allowed to conduct interactive gaming. This if for very good reasons; the industry
has been legalised as it is, so proberty issues and that kind of question don’t really apply, as
these companies have already jumped through all the necessary hoops for regulation.
“This will be complementary to their land-based operations, we’re just waiting for the
government to make some decisions on its legislation. It’s one of the few ways our casino
operators can expand their businesses, so they’re quite excited about it.”
The wait for this legislation has led to one planned conference being postponed, he adds:
“The show planned for September 2007 [which was to combine online and land-based casi-
no conferences] has been canceled, because the internet gaming legislation in South Africa
is not as advanced as they would have liked at this stage.”
The common-sense attitude the South African gaming industry has adopted could teach
many territories a thing or two, not least the UK. Their investment into problem gaming is
healthy, as Derek said, which means any problem is being tackled head-on: “The industry
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