Joining several countries that have already changed their legislation to allow gambling in its different varieties, South Africa has decided to legalize online gambling and online poker. The country’s government adopted this attitude in view of the growing expansion of the online gambling industry.

A spokesperson for the legislative body explained that the country has learnt from the United States that prohibiting online gambling and online poker is not a solution and for that reason South Africa chose to regulate online casinos instead of banning them.

However, while legislators are busy with the new provisions, the National Responsible Gambling Program (NGRP) expressed its concern because more and more South Africans are becoming gambling addicts. The authorities of the Program said gambling problems should be contemplated by the provisions the government is working on.

The gambling legislation is expected to be published before the end of this year.