South African National Gambling Board suspended

The entire South African National Gambling Board was reportedly suspended earlier this month pending the outcome of a forensic investigation.

Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies ordered the suspension but reasons for the suspension are not forthcoming and remain sketchy.

Media relations spokesperson for the Trade and Industry Department Sidwell Medupe told iAfrica.com: “The forensic investigation will mainly cover the assets of the National Gambling Board and the minister has also appointed two administrators to oversee the day to day running of the National Gambling Board. We are unable to say how long this will take.”

Earlier this month, attorneys acting on behalf of provincial Bookmakers’ Associations issued notices to a number of South African Provincial Gambling Boards, the National Gambling Board and the National Lotteries Board claiming that sports pool betting operators are acting in contravention of the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997.

At the heart of the claim, the bookmakers’ associations challenge the validity of operators offering sports betting on anything other than horse races and are requesting that sports pool operator licences be revoked by the relevant provincial gambling boards that issued them.

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