Keely Goodall22 April 2024 | 10:45

DA wagers new gambling Bill could be big win for state revenue

The Democratic Alliance has proposed a new gambling Bill that it says will bring in more tax revenues while limiting harms.

DA wagers new gambling Bill could be big win for state revenue

Picture: pixabay.com

Lester Kiewit speaks with Dean Macpherson, DA Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

Gambling is a huge money generator for South Africa, generating R34 billion in 2021.

ALSO READ:

My gambling addiction hell

Bruno Mars racks up almost R1 billion in gambling debt

However, the DA feels the sector is not regulated well enough and is vulnerable to criminal abuse.

They are calling for a new gambling Bill to increase state revenue.

The National Gambling Amendment Act, signed into law in 2008,  is still not in operation.

The DA has put together a new Bill to regulate online gambling in a way that better protects players while increasing revenues and creating a framework for investment.

“We think provinces can actually start to create a package of investment around online gambling.”
- Dean Macpherson, Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition - DA

The DA also advocates for advertising limits on gambling.

“Things like liquor advertising or gambling advertising are potentially harmful to people that suffer addiction or are under the age of 18.”
- Dean Macpherson, Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition - DA

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.