A lobby by the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) stands behind the decision, as the local gambling industry has been striving for years to protect its US$2.2 billion gambling monopoly from international brands.
GGB managed to persuade judge N. B. Tuchten, who, with this decision, has closed the door in front of all online gambling service providers, and also hinted severe sanctions to be expected in the case of breaking the law. Whoever fails to oblige to the bill will risk a fine up to US$1.36 million or up to ten years in prison.
This ban is quite surprising, considering the fact that the South African government has been contemplating on issuing online gambling licences, but during the parliamentary debates, no agreement was born.
Lucky Lukhwareni, one of the leaders at GGB, made the following statement after the decision:
”We approached the media to alert them of the judgement which makes online casino operations illegal, and if they continue we will have them arrested and fight for conviction.”
Piggs Peak, one of the online gambling providers has already declared that they are not accepting the decision and will appeal against the ban, which, from their point of view, is "completely incorrect”. Also, they say that as they are operating from neighboring Swaziland, they will only oblige to Swaziland’s own gambling rules.
