Gambling law under review

STRINGENT gambling regulations are contained in a new bill drafted to replace the Casinos and Gambling Houses Act of 1994.

The Gaming and Entertainment Control Bill raises the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 and introduces tougher penalties to protect minors and gamblers. Provision is also made for a register of gambling addicts, where addicts and their families can apply for such people to be barred from gambling houses.Countrywide consultations started last week to review the gambling law in recognition of the mushrooming of illegal gambling. The Damaseb report of 1996 recommended a moratorium on the proliferation of gambling machines. There are currently an estimated 10 000 illegal machines in operation, said the director of tourism in the Ministry of Environment of Tourism, Sem Shikongo. The consultation process started in 2008, and consultations have already been done in Keetmanshoop, Windhoek and Swakopmund. The process will next move to Otjiwarongo, Rundu, Grootfontein, Ondangwa and Katima Mulilo. Stakeholder recommendations will be considered during August, after which a final draft of the bill will be prepared. Expectations are that the bill will be tabled in Parliament before the end of the year. The Gaming and Entertainment Control Bill will set up a control board and establish principles guiding gaming activities. The key changes to the legislation, said Shikongo, is the introduction of gaming inspectors with powers to arrest, and a central monitoring system of gambling machines. The new legislation will also introduce new licences, bets and wagers, and take care of bookmakers.Industry players are concerned that upping the eligible gambling age from 18 to 21 might disqualify much of their junior staff from working in the gambling sector. It was, however, pointed out that the age limit only apply to those allowed to gamble. Sector players have also pointed out that provision should be made for temporary key employee licences pending the outcome of a criminal clearance of employees. The key employee licence is a requirement for skilled gambling staff who have to undergo extensive training before being allowed on the gambling floor. Public servants are disqualified from holding a key employee licence to eliminate possible conflict of interest, said a consultant to the legal process, Shafimana Uietele. Civil servants are not disqualified from obtaining a casino or gambling house licence, however.

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