The South African Council of Churches (SACC) urged lawmakers to adopt national gambling legislation that includes strong measures to minimise harm to vulnerable communities and to promote social responsibility within the industry.

In a submission to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, the Council applauded provisions in the National Gambling Bill that would limit compulsive gamblers' access to casinos and improve awareness of treatment options. However, it warned that the legislation's approach to social responsibility must not be focused solely on problem gamblers.

Noting that one in seven gamblers borrow money to gamble -- and one in four gamble with money normally used for household purposes -- the SACC expressed concern about the industry's potential to deepen South Africa's poverty crisis.

The Council recommended that the National Gambling Policy Council (NGPC) be required to monitor the effects of gambling on different socio-economic groups, to assess the impact of social responsibility initiatives in the industry and to recommend new policies to mitigate the harmful effects of gambling.

In order to strengthen the community's role in the licensing process, the SACC proposed that licensing authorities be required to publicise applications for gambling licenses, to provide a period for public comment, and to take any comments received into account before issuing licenses for gambling premises. "Provision should also be made to allow communities to define exclusion zones for the awarding of gambling licenses or the placement of limited pay-out machines," the Council said.

The Council also recommended that:

• Gambling licenses be granted for a limited duration, subject to renewal;
• License holders be required to display the odds of winning on every gambling machine and at every gaming table;
• The NGPC advise on ways to curtail alcohol consumption in gambling premises;
• The National Gambling Board be responsible for monitoring the structure of the industry and proposing mechanisms to accelerate decentralisation of the industry and promote broad-based black economic empowerment.

For more information, contact Fr. Joe Mdhlela, 083 641 1281.