30th
South Africa Bans Online Poker
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Following a lengthy battle by the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) for a ban on online casinos in an attempt to protect South Africa’s R16 billion (US2.2 billion) gaming industry from fierce competition from online companies the Gambling Board has finally won its case.
In the North Gauteng High Court, a judgment was handed down by Judge NB Tuckten on August 20th 2010 making online poker and all forms of online gambling strictly prohibited in South Africa and anyone found breaking this new anti-online gambling law will face a fine of up to R10 million (US$1.36 million) or up to ten years in jail.
Not only are players banned from taking part in any online gambling activity but Internet service providers and financial institutions who process any betting transactions as well as any form of online gambling advertisements has also been made illegal.
Lucky Lukhwareni of the Gauteng Gambling Board stated that they had approached the media in order to alert them of the judgment which makes online casino operations illegal and that they will be arrested if they continue with the online operations and fight for conviction.
Any Company found breaching the ruling will be disqualified from applying for any online gambling license should the government make a decision in the future to grant a limited amount of licenses.
Piggs Peak, which runs a thriving online casino operation as well as a land based casino in Swaziland are determined to fight the ban and after consultation with their Senior Legal Council have agreed to appeal the finding. With agreement from the Gambling Board they intend to continue with their business until the appeal has been heard and the outcome determined.
