1. RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING SELF-EXCLUSION POLICIES: A DEEPER ANALYSIS
Presented by Adv. Themba Ngobese
GRAF 2018, GICC, GABORONE
29 August 2018

2. RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING SELF-EXCLUSION POLICIES: A DEEPER ANALYSIS
ABOUT CASA
CASA is a voluntary association which represents the interests of licensed casino operators in SA. 35 of the 38 operational casinos in SA.
As at March 2017, our members had invested in excess of R50 billion in infrastructure leading to the development of world class entertainment destinations in RSA e.g. Sun City Resort, Sandton ICC & Cape Town ICC. GICC.
In excess of direct jobs, many of which give employment to people with no previous work experience. Excludes indirect jobs.
In the FY 2016/17 alone, members contributed R155m in CSI. Last five years – R712m.
In the FY 2016/17 alone, members contributed R5.9 billion to the fiscus in tax revenue. Provincial Gambling Taxes/Levies (R1.8 billion), VAT (R1.9 billion), Corporate Tax (R1.1 billion) & Other Taxes (rates etc.)(R1.1 billion).
SA Government had an effective 36% share (almost 40%) of the ‘value-added’ to the economy by the casino sector of R16.5 billion in the FY2016/17 and as such it is the largest de facto beneficiary stakeholder in the casino industry.
Members established the internationally acclaimed responsible gambling programme (“NRGP”). Funds approximately 66% of its budget.
Further information –

3. RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING SELF-EXCLUSION POLICIES: A DEEPER ANALYSIS
THE MYTH
“GAMBLING OPERATORS CHERISH & THRIVE ON PLAYERS WHO GAMBLE IRRESPONSIBLY”
Like any business, gambling operators have to be sustainable; and irresponsible gambling and sustainability do not mix. Thus -
Even prior to the SARGF/NRGP (RSA), gambling operators had their own individual responsible gambling programmes which included the counselling service.
Gambling operators continue to voluntarily fund the SARGF/NRGP (RSA).
The result is the consistently low prevalence of disordered gambling.

4. RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING SELF-EXCLUSION POLICIES: A DEEPER ANALYSIS
REGULATORY POLICIES/INTERVENTIONS
Most regulatory policies/interventions on the subject are premised on “the myth”.
Gambling operators have always understood business sustainability.
Regulatory policies/interventions on the subject should take cognisance of, inter alia, the following -
It is a minute percentage of gambling customers that gamble irresponsibly. Thus measures aimed at protecting the minute irresponsible gambling customers should not chase away the overwhelming majority of responsible gambling players/customers.
Gambling is a voluntary form of entertainment and if policies/interventions are implemented which are and/or are perceived to be onerous by the responsible gambling customers; they will simply cease to gamble. People are not obligated to gamble.

5. RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING SELF-EXCLUSION POLICIES: A DEEPER ANALYSIS
QUESTIONS / COMMENTS