Online gambling is currently illegal in South Africa. But according to some experts, the status of gambling in the African first-world nation could be about to change.

Currently, online gambling is popular across South Africa, despite its illegal status. From 2004 to 2005, gambling revenues increased 16 percent from 9.9 billion rands to an estimated 11.5 billion. This was despite a ruling in November by the High Court in Pretoria stipulating that fines of up to ten million rands and ten years imprisonment would be meted out to anyone found participating in online gambling.

South Africa's government has reportedly investigated the notion of introducing licensed and regulated online gambling sites to the country. In particular, the move could generate a healthy source of potential state revenue for the country if managed appropriately. It is thought that regulation would follow the type that comes into force this year in the UK, which requires all gambling firms to be registered and licensed to operate. Strategies to combat underage and problem gambling would also be implemented. Licensed firms would be forced to comply with fair gaming practices and would also advertise in support of responsible gambling.

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