Gambling market - LiquorWise has noted that South Africa is the world's third-largest casino market and it was also the fastest-growing casino market in 2010 with a 3.5% increase, according to a new PwC report. the National Gambling Act permits 40 licensed casinos. Currently, there are 37 operating casinos, which leaves little room for expansion. It is expected that casino upgrades and a new casino licence will enhance the South African casino market. There will be relatively little growth from new casinos to 2015. A new 15% tax on winnings of R25000 or higher, provisionally scheduled to go into effect in 2012, is expected to have an adverse impact on the market. However, there is currently no detail available on how the proposed tax is to be calculated or collected, it said. It was reported that France had the largest casino market in 2010 at $3.8-billion, followed by Germany's $2-billion and South Africa's $1.8-billion. However, France has declined during the past year, and a further drop is expected this year. The Limpopo Gambling Board awarded a casino licence to Peermont Global. Peermont also upgraded the Umfolozi Hotel and Convention Resort. Sun International plans to upgrade the Boardwalk Casino in Port Elizabeth. Tsogo Sun Gaming plans to upgrade the Hemingways Casino in East London, having been awarded a new 15-year licence by the Eastern Cape Gambling Board in exchange for a R20m payment for exclusive rights to a large area surrounding East London. GamblingWise advises and assists owners of liquor licensed businesses to obtain gambling licences for limited payout machines. Contact GambleWise for more information! (Article by I-Net Bridge, edited by LiquorWise)

Restaurants and guesthouses were the biggest beneficiaries of the COP17 conference in Durban during the past twee weeks. The accommodation industry expected to benefit by the tune of R500m, but the acting head of Durban’s strategic projects unit, Sue Bannister, said that it was closer to R1billion. Liquor sales at both restaurants, hotels (including guesthouses, B&B’s, lodges), pubs and bars were reported to be excellent. Restaurants (including coffee shops) provided 495000 meals, while accommodation was fully booked during the 14-day conference with approximately 160000 bed-nights. (Article by Times Live, edited by LiquorWise)