The Casino Association of South Africa (CASA), a voluntary group that represents thirty seven out the thirty eight licensed casinos in the country, has commented that it would like to be officially recognized as the industry representative.

Speaking at the National Gambling Conference that took place in Johannesburg last month, the chairperson of the Casino Association of South Africa said that the organization should be a natural choice due to the huge strides that is has made in the country's gambling industry.

He pointed out that CASA is committed to strict standards among its members, thanks to a code of conduct put in place. In the five years that the group has been operating, CASA has reported extensively on the enormous contributions that its casinos have made to the South African economy, as well as the advantages to local communities who have benefited from the casino constructed in their areas.

CASA chairperson, Jabu Mabuza said at the Conference: "Despite the fact that we are a purely voluntary association with no formal status recognized in the country's gambling legislation, the scope of our work since our founding five years ago has demonstrated quite clearly the need and value for such a body."

The South African gambling industry has grown enormously in the past seven years, attracting over R15-billion in investment opportunities and creating over 100,000 jobs. Members of CASA include Century Casinos, Gold Reef Casino, London Clubs International, Peermont Global, Sun International and Tsogo Sun.

Jabu Mabuza, on the organization's website, wrote: "CASA has always paid considerable attention to the casino sector and while we believe that our track record in this respect has been exemplary, we have commissioned Empowerdex to conduct a thorough assessment of our achievements in this area, with a view to maintaining our leading position as pioneers in the management of assets in Southern Africa's tourism and leisure industry."