Namibia, borders Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana and South Africa to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. is a country that has gradually accepted gambling over the years. the gambling business in Namibia has also developed rapidly. This article provides an overview of the historical background, regulated legal framework and current status of Namibian betting legislation, with a particular focus on Namibia Bookmakers and sports betting.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling in Namibia
- 1920 to 1965: It is a country in the southern part of Africa and became a South African territory in 1920. The laws of South Africa were applied to the territory from 1920 to 1965 regarding gambling.
- 1965: The Gambling Act 51 of 1965 legalised gambling in the South West Africa, Namibia’s former name when it was still under South Africa. This act enabled the area to have its own gambling regulations different from those of South Africa.
- 1990: Namibia was liberated from the wing of South Africa.
- 1990 – 1994: In the meantime, The Gambling Act 51 governed gambling until Namibia enacted its own laws on gambling.
- 1994: The Casinos and Gambling Houses Act was passed into law, thus putting a seal on legal gambling in Namibia.
- 2002: The Lotteries Act was enacted thus legalizing lotteries in Namibia.
- 2017: Lottery regulation in the Czech Republic was completely changed by the Lotteries Act of 2017.
- 2018: Online gambling was officially allowed by the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 13 of 2018 and this also updated the previous gambling laws.
Existing Laws and Regulation on Gambling
The regulatory framework of the gambling activities in Namibia is anchored on the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 13 of 2018. Here are some key aspects of the legislation:
- Licensing: All gambling activities including the bookmakers and sports betting have to be licensed.
- Monitoring: There is also a requirement of a central electronic monitoring system to monitor all the gambling activities.
- Inspections: There are certain measures put in place by the gambling inspectors that include the power to enforce the set regulations, arrest offenders and even confiscate their property if they do not adhere to the laid down procedures.
Legality of online gambling in Namibia
Perhaps, one of the most critical questions concerning the iGaming sphere is the legal status of online betting in a particular country. As for Namibia betting is permitted and this is evident from the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 13 of 2018. Thus, only the websites that have the appropriate license can take players from Namibia. This way the online gambling industry is both controlled, and at the same time able to be quite liberal.
Licensing and Fee
In Namibia the Gambling Control Board which falls under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry & Tourism is responsible for issuing of gambling licenses. The following types of licenses are available:
- Bookmaker License
- Totalizator License
- Manufacturer and Supplier License
- Testing Agent License
- Key Employee License
License Fees
The gambling operations in Namibia, like other countries, are required to pay fixed fees with regards to their licenses and other related charges. These fees are charged depending on the size of the business and in most cases the location of the business. Also, these fees are paid alongside other ordinary corporate taxes that are set at 15%.
Regulatory of Namibia Bookmakers
The regulatory framework for bookmakers in Namibia includes several key components:
- Registration: All the gambling houses have to be licensed under the new Act.
- Electronic Monitoring: The proposed central electronic monitoring system can detect and track the important event that is related to the gambling machines.
- Addiction Measures: It also requires that the licensed operators put in place measures to assist those who may and or are likely to become gamblers.
Allowed and Prohibited Bets
In Namibia, bookmakers are allowed to offer a wide range of betting options, including:
- Sports Betting: This entails the most famous games for instance soccer, rugby, and even boxing.
- Casino Games: They include the slot machines, table games and many others.
- Lotteries: As is provided for under the Lotteries Act.
However, there are some conditions that limit specific types of bets as a way of protecting the players as well as the sports from corruption. These are prohibited by law and the regulators of the gaming business are the Gaming Control Board.
Namibia Sports Betting
Sporting activities are popular in Namibia and the nation has a passionate following of sports. Here are some highlights:
Popular Sports for Betting
- Football: The Namibia Premier League is built up as the major football championship and the interest of the betting companies is quite high.
- Rugby: It is quite popular and the Namibia national rugby team is known as Welwitschia.
- Boxing: Many boxers have emerged champions in the country and hence the sport is widely famous for betting.
- Golf: Some of the places of interest include Rossmund Desert Golf Course in Swakopmund while in the field of sports the golfer Trevor Dodds is a famous personality.
Major Sports Events
Namibia has seen several significant sports milestones, including:
- 1992 & 1996: Frank “Frankie” Fredericks is a Namibia-born sprinter who has clinched four silver medals in Track and Field in the Olympics.
- 1998: Namibia’s national football team also known as the Brave warriors joined the COSAFA Cup.
- 1999: It is noted that Namibia has a rugby team that played in the Rugby World Cup.
- 2008: Paulus Moses is a professional Boxer, he won the WBA lightweight title in boxing.
- 2009: Giniel de Villiers emerged the champion of the Dakar Rally.
Conclusion
Namibia has a quite developed and legalised gambling business that encompasses various types of both terrestrial and Internet activities. Due to the comprehensive legislation, multiple types of licenses, and effective control, Namibia bookmakers and sports betting are ready for further development. If you are an entrepreneur willing to start a business or a bettor in search of new possibilities, Namibia will provide you with a good foundation and clear, properly regulated rules and conditions.
FAQ of Namibia Bookmakers
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