South Africa has had much controversy regarding online gambling. The country made a decision that online gambling would not be legalised. There had been concerns regarding competition against those online operations that have already been established for some time.
On a provincial level, however, Limpopo will be moving ahead with licensing various online gambling sites. The Limpopo Gambling Board has issued online gambling licenses to two gaming operators.
Two Online Bingo Licenses Issued
The Limpopo Gambling Board announced that two online bingo licenses have been issued. The licenses were issued after two towns successfully bid to operate online gambling sites. The two bingo licenses have been awarded to two towns, Senwabarana, and Musina.
The two bingo licenses are the first two online gambling operations that have been licensed in Limpopo. There are plans to license seven online gambling operations, including these first two licensees.
The online gambling licenses in Limpopo have been issued with hope to create jobs for individuals in the province, and to boost revenue on a provincial level. The move to license online gambling ventures in Limpopo has come as a response to the lack of land based casinos or other gambling facilities in the area. The online bingo sites, and future online gambling licensees will provide casino gaming to those who live in areas that do not have their own casinos.
Serobi Maja, the Chief Executive of the Limpopo Gambling Board, commented on the issuing of the two online bingo licenses: "The introduction of two bingo gambling facilities will help boost revenue and create further jobs."
About the Limpopo gambling Board
The Limpopo Gambling Board’s mission statement notes that the Board has committed itself to ensuring that the gambling industry in Limpopo is to the benefit of the people. To do so, the Board will comply with the law, provide leisure facilities that are deemed appropriate, and will work towards sustainable local economic development.
In the Limpopo Gambling Board objectives, it is noted that the Board promotes "a culture of responsible gambling in the Province. To ensure the eradication of all forms of illegal gambling in the Province." The Gambling Board works towards "a credible, viable and regulated gambling industry in the Province, which provides exciting leisure opportunities that contribute to economic development."