The government has welcomed a Pretoria High Court ruling that will swell its coffers by R1.25 million.
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said on Monday that the monies had been won by online gamblers this year and that the gamblers could be face criminal charges.
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“Online gambling is illegal in South Africa and [therefore] winnings are proceeds of an illegal activity,” said Davies in a statement.
He also expressed concern that online gambling could be used to launder money.
“It is on this basis that the banks continue to collaborate with the National Gambling Board (NGB) to confiscate the unlawful winnings.”
The NGB, an agency of the department of trade and industry, said those found partaking in online gambling would be subjected to a criminal prosecution.
“The public is hereby cautioned to be wary of online gambling offerings. Online gambling is illegal and thus anyone participating in any illegal online gambling activity would be unable to receive any winnings and would expose themselves to criminal prosecution,” said the NGB’s Caroline Kongwa.
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“Anyone caught gambling illegally or running an illegal gambling establishment like internet cafes that provide illegal online gambling will be targeted and they will face criminal charges or a fine to the maximum of R10 million or both.”
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