The proposal to create a new sector for gaming machines in the street market in South Africa continues to be under review.
The country has its limited payout machines, a form of AWP machine, which has been going into street locations in most provinces.
However, last year there was a suggestion that a separate category of MPMs (medium payout machines) should be created to bridge the gap between the LPMs and casino slots.
The country’s Gambling Review Commission originally came up with the suggestion. It said: “The location of LPMs in typically lower-income to poor areas jeopardises the viability of the industry. Route operators are forced to keep these operations going in order not to jeopardise their licences.”
The report also questioned the social perspective. If the objective is to restrict problem gambling, then putting a high percentage of LPMs in areas that are disproportionately poor “makes little sense.”
It wanted the LPM to remain in convenience stores and bars, but in higher profile locations such as racecourses and tote outlets, an MPM might be more appropriate as they are “dedicated gambling venues.”
The latest information we have is from Thimba Marasha, chief compliance officer at the National Gambling Board, who said that the Gambling Review Commission had not yet completed the process of making its recommendations. It will then go to the National Council of Provinces in Parliament for consideration.
