With respect to the legal framework, market size and regulatory environment
Online gambling has grown tremendously in recent years due to the widespread use of the internet and mobile devices. South Africa and New Zealand are two countries where online gambling has gained popularity. In this article, we will compare the online gambling industry in South Africa and New Zealand, including the legal framework, market size and regulatory environment.
Legal framework:
South Africa has a complex legal framework for online gambling. The National Gambling Act of 2004 legalised online sports betting and horse racing betting but banned all other forms of online gambling. However, the government has not been successful in enforcing this ban, and many offshore online casinos accept South African players. The government is considering legalising and regulating online gambling to generate revenue and protect players from unscrupulous operators.
In contrast, New Zealand has a more straightforward legal framework for online gambling. The Gambling Act of 2003 regulates all forms of gambling, including online gambling. The act allows online casinos to operate from offshore locations, but prohibits them from advertising or marketing their services to New Zealand residents. This approach has created a grey market where New Zealanders can gamble online without fear of prosecution, but the government has no control over the industry.
Market size:
The South African online gambling market is estimated to be worth around R2 billion ($139 million). However, this figure is likely to be much higher, as many offshore online casinos accept South African players. The most popular form of online gambling in South Africa is sports betting, followed by online casinos and poker.
In comparison, the New Zealand online gambling market is estimated to be worth around NZD380 million ($263 million). The most popular form of online gambling in New Zealand is also sports betting, followed by online casinos.