The Western Cape Government does, however, have to operate within the ambit of the National Gambling Act (Act 33 of 1996) and has created a structure, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board to regulate legal gambling in the province.
The excellent work of the board resulted in the termination of illegal gambling, previously widespread in the province, the creation of significant infrastructure and jobs, and has laid the foundations for a Responsible Gambling Program that is now regarded as the role model for the industry in South Africa and abroad.
The Western Cape Cabinet considers itself bound to the Policy Determinations made in 1997, which authorised the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board to license two or more Limited Gambling Machine operators, but reduced the number of machines to 3000, rather than the 9000 provided for in terms of the National Gambling Act.
In the execution of the mandate given to it in 1997, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board is proceeding with the licensing of Limited Gambling Machine operators, to operate a maximum of 3000 machines in this province.
However, following the roll-out of both casino licences and the National Lottery, and with regard to the unintended, but greater than expected negative consequences of gambling, the Provincial Cabinet requests the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board to endeavor to further limit the potential of Limited Gambling Machines to impact on the poorest sector of our communities by:
- · limiting the number of licensed machines to 2 100 (a reduction of 30 %);
- · enforcing strict criteria regarding the selection of licensed premises to ensure that areas susceptible to problem gambling are avoided
Quote Joyce Witbooi, Western Cape Minister of Tourism and Gambling: "We would like to see fewer machines out there and none within easy reach of schools, places of worship, amusement areas frequented by under 18's, or in proximity of any places where pensions or welfare payments are being made, as well as where a large concentration of grantees reside. While we recognize the role Limited Gambling Machines can play in promoting Economic Empowerment and the creation of SMME's, these machines should not be allowed in areas where they rely on the poorest of our people for custom."
"We call on the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board and the applicants for Limited Gambling Machines to recognize the potentially harmful effects that the roll-out of Limited Gambling Machines could have and to act with caution and sensitivity," said Minister Witbooi.
Minister Witbooi noted the tabling of the National Gambling Bill, which proposes certain measures to address the over-stimulation of gambling. "I would also request the National Government to urgently reconsider the operations of the National Lottery, where a proliferation of ticket sale outlets has placed gambling within reach of every citizen, no matter how poor. It is impacting negatively on our most vulnerable communities, maybe even more so than the casino and horse racing industries targeted in the Bill."
Issued by: Western Cape Ministry of Tourism and GamblingContact person: Hélène RossouwCell: 082 771 8834
