Due to the virtual realm's existence, the count of South African individuals engaging in online casino gaming has been steadily rising. This phenomenon occurs because, as all of us South Africans are aware, casinos have been prohibited within our national territory since 1946. Nonetheless, there are still those who question the underlying reasons behind this ban and ponder if it will ever be legalized within our country.
A slightly deeper dive into history
Casino games in South Africa have been considered games of chance since 1946. At that time, General Eurico Gaspar, the president, granted the request of his religious wife, Carmela Dutra, who, due to her devotion to Catholicism, believed that casinos "ruined" people.
During the era of the South African empire, casinos made their debut, but in the mid-1917, their games were banned upon the consolidation of the republic. However, they were once again legalized in 1934 by President Getúlio Vargas. Eventually, in 1946, through Decree-Law No. 9,215, all forms of gambling were to be prohibited across the entire national territory, irrespective of regulation. At that time, approximately 40,000 workers lost their jobs, leading to a significant decline in tourism and a downturn in the country's economy across all sectors.
The Zico Law, proposed in 1994, aimed to legalize the operation of bingo games as a means of fundraising for sports entities, encompassing anything related to the world of sports.
In 1998, the enactment of the so-called Pelé Law took place, which repealed the Zico Law and granted permission for bingo games. Article 59 stated: "Bingo games are permitted throughout the entire national territory, according to this Law, rendering bingo games unlawful."
Following that, in 2000, they faced several issues related to the federal government's inability to accredit and oversee bingos, leading to the creation of a provisional measure that later became the Maguito Law, prohibiting bingo games. Entities argue that the Maguito Law was actually meant to regulate the game under a specific law and did not intend to ban it. However, since the regulation has not been approved to this day, bingo houses have been forced to close.
In the mid-2003/2004 period, President Lula expressed his desire to establish regulations for bingo, aiming to support the advancement of national sports. Regrettably, shortly after his statement, the issuance of Provisional Measure No. 168/2004 occurred, which banned both bingos and slot machines.
Current legislation under study
Currently, South Africa is considering Senate Bill 186/2014, which authorizes the exploration of animal games, casinos, bingos, and online betting across the entire national territory. The proposal aims to regulate and oversee gambling activities, allowing licensed companies to operate. Moreover, the legalization of gambling is expected to boost tax revenue, create more job opportunities, increase tourism, and stimulate various sectors of the economy, contributing an average of around ZAR 15 billion annually to the state's coffers.
The project also stipulates that funds generated from gambling activities will be allocated towards healthcare, public welfare, and social assistance, ultimately benefiting a significant portion of the South African population. Moreover, the proposal outlines penalties for game fraud, regulations for the gaming industry, and safeguards for the implementation of casinos in tourist destinations.
Now, let's hope for the project to progress and be approved soon! Visit our news page for more articles on the regulation of gambling in South Africa. Pray for the initiative to move forward and receive swift approval! Browse through our news section to explore further insights into the legislation surrounding betting in South Africa.
Meanwhile, let's venture into the digital realm...
Currently, there is a significant and increasing number of 8.7 million South African individuals engaging in online casino gambling. Due to the limitation of being unable to physically visit casinos in other countries, we often resort to various online platforms that not only provide opportunities for online bingo and online slot machines but also offer games like baccarat, blackjack, poker, dice, and many more. It has become a popular choice for those seeking entertainment and the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their own homes.
The upside is that these websites provide casino bonuses. Furthermore, you have the peace of mind to ponder your moves calmly and practice to eventually visit an actual casino.
The success of online gaming in South Africa.
There is an ongoing curiosity among numerous online casino enthusiasts in South Africa regarding the current legality of this practice in our country. The truth is that while there are no South African online casinos, as casino companies cannot be registered in South Africa, there is nothing prohibiting South African players from engaging in legal online gambling. It is worth noting that users can enjoy a wide range of international online casinos that cater to South African players, ensuring a safe and legal gaming experience. With the advancement of technology, players can explore a multitude of exciting games and indulge in the thrill of online gambling without any legal concerns.
Therefore, South African players have the assurance of accessing an online gaming website, as well as depositing their betting amounts and withdrawing their winnings. It is crucial for players to select an online casino that caters to the South African audience, providing flexible payment methods and a Portuguese platform. CasinoBarMy presents a comprehensive list of online casinos available in South Africa, which have been evaluated by our team, taking into consideration the interests of South African players.
Furthermore, online casinos offer numerous exclusive benefits, which is a fantastic advantage for increasing your earnings. You have the opportunity to play at any time and from anywhere on a mobile casino that provides an exceptional gaming experience. This not only enhances your convenience but also amplifies your chances of winning big.