Mobile online gaming is rapidly gaining popularity in South Africa. More than 500,000 South Africans are estimated to be involved in active online gaming; and most of these die-hard online gamers use their mobile phones for their online gaming activities. One of the reasons for this trend could be that a number of South Africans have easy access to mobile phones. Very few South African online gamblers own desktops or laptops.
According to the South African branch of the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), the South African online gaming is a R800 million industry. Moreover, the industry continues to grow and flourish in the country.
Online gaming software developing companies have invested a lot of money in the latest technology with the purpose of introducing the most sophisticated casino games to mobile phone gamblers. Recently, Playtech announced that it has developed brand new applications that cater to the requirements of mobile gamblers.
In spite of the rising popularity of online gaming in South Africa, the gaming industry in South Africa is cautious. The lawmakers of South Africa are currently viewing online gaming activities critically and debating whether on not to regularize and legalize online gaming in South Africa.
Currently, South African gaming laws are not clear with regard to online gaming. South Africa, therefore, need to set new gaming laws in order to clarify the situation. Inadequate legislation and loose enforcement of existing laws has made it easier for online gaming companies to offer their services to online gambling enthusiasts in South Africa.