Mauritius Introduces New Guidelines for Gambling

The newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) in Mauritius has worked out a set of guidelines for responsible gambling which licensees will have to comply to.

Meeting the press on Saturday at the office of the Ministry of Finance in the capital Port Louis, Ajay Beeka, responsible officer of the GRA explained that the newly created “Gambling Unit” of the local police force will ensure that these activities are being conducted in full compliance with the rules and regulations attached to the licensees.

Beeka added the unit will insure that no minor will be allowed access to the gambling premises. Non-compliance with the rules and regulations will entail prosecution and eventual revocation of licenses.

As for the age limit to be allowed entry into casinos, he said no one below the age of 21 years will have free access.

Beeka observed that with the new guidelines, the GRA will be empowered to limit the number of licenses that may be issued in any district, town, village and area. The government, he said, is aware that gambling may have a negative impact on the lives of people and that one of the objectives of the GRA is to foster responsible gambling in order to minimize the harm caused by gambling.

Beeka added that considerable illegal betting and gambling activities were taking place throughout the island in a totally uncontrolled and unregulated manner involving even school children and that the most effective way of combating the ill effects of gambling is to develop a well regulated framework for those houses to operate.

He indicated that the new guidelines make provision for jail sentences of up to three years and a fine of US$ 5000 to anyone caught indulging in illegal gambling and betting.

Furthermore, according to the new guidelines, no advertisements will be entertained from gambling houses either on the state Television station or on the national radio. He appealed to newspaper owners to limit the publication of advertisements on gambling houses in their papers.

Source African Press Agency

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