South Africa Poker Law Change
As online poker playing becomes more and more popular throughout the world, different countries are taking different positions on online poker sites. While in the United States there’s a bill that makes online gaming unlawful, there’s also a bill winding its way through Congress that would legalize online gaming.
In South Africa, however, the high government has taken a harsh tone and has declared all internet gambling to be illegal within the country. According to news reports, the South African government was awaiting a special report before it would make its decision when the Johannesburg high court made an immediate ruling that banned and made illegal all internet gaming.
Under the new laws, anybody who is either operating an online gaming room in South Africa or who plays in an online room could be subject to a fine equal to $1 million or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
It is also illegal to advertise online gaming or an online poker room and everyone from the online gambling company to the players to internet service providers can be liable under the new law.
The law will outlaw all international gaming companies but also companies that operate within South Africa. Currently, the new ruling is being appealed and the government has ruled that online gambling can continue until a final decision is made. It’s not known when that will be.
