South Africa is a step closer to legalizing online gambling.

According to national newspaper, the Financial Mail, South Africa's Gambling Board recently created an investigative committee to assess the issues surrounding Internet gambling.
Following their investigation, they recommended reforming the laws, permitting online gambling.
As part of their research they traveled extensively to obtain a comprehensive view of the industry.
One of the professional views they sought were of eCOGRA CEO, Andrew Beveridge.
Currently, internet gambling remains illegal in SA.
There have even been active cases of enforcement of this ban.
Indeed, authorities in the Eastern Cape Province have been known to raid locations of those perpetrating the law.
There is still some process before it can be legalized.
Firstly, Mandisi Mpahlwa, minister of Trade and Industry has to accept the recommendations made by the investigation.
Online gambling doesn’t fuel the same popularity as in other countries.
Indeed, of the 42 million population, a relatively small amount has the internet access required.
In fact, only one in ten has installed a fixed telephone line.
Nevertheless, the country is home to leading sophisticated communication and IT infrastructure.
The use of mobile phones is widespread throughout the country.
With a rapidly increasing market expected to reach revenues of $25 billion by the year 2010, internet gambling is indeed lucrative.
With little to stop punters already wagering online, and a phenomenon that is unstoppable and highly lucrative, CEO of the National Gaming Board, Thibedi Majake says is very supportive of legalizing online gaming.
Not only will it open opportunity by allowing South Africans to invest and develop within this industry, but by legalizing playing, authorities will be able to regulate the industry and protect players better.
Since there are already land based gambling laws, if given the go-ahead, it should be fairly routine to legalize online gambling.
New regulation and enforcement would be the only obstacles.
South Africa is in a good situation to become a leader in internet gambling should the laws be passed.
Indeed, with its call-centre infrastructure along with careful, fair and reasonable regulation, it is likely to attract international groups prepared to invest in the industry.

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