Sithandiwe Velaphi
The Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board is running a month-long campaign to promote responsible gambling and awareness.
As part of the campaign, the board has already visited Cradock and Aliwal North with the aim of interacting with councillors and managers from different departments and government agencies, as well as businesses.
The board said it had noticed an increase of 56% or about 4 million Eastern Cape citizens who had joined the gambling industry as an entertainment activity rather than an economic activity.
About 53% of Eastern Cape casino gamblers fall within the income category of R3201- R12800 with just more than 6% of gamblers earning more than R12 800 a month.
While the board regulates the industry and collects taxes from licencees, it said it needed to beef up its focus on responsible gambling. Gambling taxes collected from the industry in the Eastern Cape jumped from R90m in 2010-11 to R99m in 2011-12, with gross gaming revenue exceeding R1.2bn. This is a slight increase from the gross gaming revenue of R1.17bn in 2010-11.
“The board carries the additional responsibility of educating communities on the negative effects of problem gambling. said CEO Mabutho Zwane.
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Article source: http://www.thenewage.co.za/61822-1016-53-Gambling_board_pushes_for_responsible_betting