INTRODUCTION

The Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (“the Board”) was established by section 3 of the Gambling and Betting Act, 1997 (Act No. 5 of 1997) (EASTERN CAPE) (as amended) ("the Act") which was brought into operation by various Proclamations, the initial Proclamation being Proclamation No. 5 of 1997 of 9 July 1997.

The Board consists of nine members who are made up as follows:

• A legal practitioner of at least five year’s standing;
• A chartered accountant of at least five year’s standing;
• An individual who has knowledge and involvement in the tourism industry;
• A person who has knowledge and experience in the field of welfare or community or socio-economic development;
• One member to represent the Department of Safety & Security in the Provincial Government;
• One member to represent the Department of Economic Affairs in the Provincial Government;
• One member to represent the Department of Finance in the Provincial Government;
• A person to represent the community in general; and
• The Chief Executive Officer, who is not entitled to vote.

The objective of the Board is to oversee all gambling and betting activities in the Province and matters incidental thereto, contemplated in the Act and to advise the Member of the Executive Council of the Province for Economic Affairs with regard to gambling matters and to exercise certain further powers contemplated in the Act.  Amongst the most important functions of the Board are the licensing of the legal gambling industry, the regulation of licence holders, the collection of gambling taxes on behalf of the Province and taking steps to ensure the abolition of unlicensed gambling. In this regard, the Board undertakes licensing investigations and may issue and revoke licences and determine the conditions which apply to any licence.

It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure that an accountable and credible legal gambling industry exists in the Province and that internationally recognised standards in the industry are complied with.