Victoria, Seychelles – The Seychelles government is set to introduce a new regulation under the Seychelles Gambling Act, focusing on interactive gambling. Vice President Ahmed Afif announced the decision on Thursday, detailing the upcoming changes that aim to refine the licensing process for online gambling and gaming activities.
According to Seychelles News Agency, the regulation, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in their Wednesday meeting, is designed to establish a stricter and clearer framework for the issuance of licenses under the Financial Services Authority (FSA). He emphasized that this move would enable better control over online gambling operators and ensure compliance with licensing conditions.
Afif explained that the Seychelles Gambling Act of 2014 allows for regulations controlling gambling activities. The new regulation will specifically address the challenges posed by online gambling, which, according to him, has often operated without adequate government control under existing laws. This has led to situations where licensees engage in online gaming activities without breaching their licenses.
The regulation aims to introduce mandatory controls for online gambling operations, including precise tracking of receipts and stringent payment monitoring. These measures are in line with efforts to combat money laundering activities that are frequently associated with online gambling.
In addition to the gambling regulation, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to conduct a comprehensive study on alcohol consumption in Seychelles. Vice President Afif highlighted concerns about the high level of alcohol consumption in Seychelles, recognized globally, and its impact on society, families, workplaces, and the national economy.
The committee, consisting of representatives from various sectors, including consumers, employers, family members, alcohol producers, and importers, will focus on understanding the broader implications of alcohol consumption. Afif noted the importance of gaining insights into the societal and health-related costs associated with high alcohol consumption.
The Vice President expressed the government’s intention to use the committee’s findings to formulate effective solutions. He anticipates a preliminary report from the committee by the middle of next year, which will guide future policy decisions.