Victor Chandler Granted S. Africa License

Victor Chandler, a Gibraltar-based bookmaker, has announced that the Western Cape Gambling and Betting Board has approved its application for a license to operate a new online sportsbook in South Africa. This means that Victor Chandler's plans are on track to launch a full range of sports betting services before the World Cup in 2010 which will be held in Cape Town.

Victor Chandler will also establish its new South African operations in Cape Town and in doing so create numerous employment opportunities for the local community.

Michael Carlton, CEO of Victor Chandler, is reported to be very excited about the opportunity, commenting that, "[t]he Victor Chandler brand fits perfectly with the South African market".

Victor Chandler is currently developing a new site specifically dedicated to the World Cup so that its customers have access to the most up-to-date news about the teams and the tournament. The site will also offer updated tables and fixtures.

The license approval for Victor Chandler can been seen as the latest move by the South African government to relax its gambling laws and introduce online gambling to the country. Prior to 1996, there was an outright prohibition against gambling but since then various forms of gambling have been legalized.