SMS PARIAZ Ltd, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Gambling Regulatory Authority, inform…
(No. B/197) Mr R. Jhummun (Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles & Souillac) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in 26 regard to SMS PARIAZ Ltd, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Gambling Regulatory Authority, information as to the – (a) number of licenses issued thereto since 2015 to November 2024, and (b) names of the shareholder/s and/or Director/s thereof, indicating if Mr J. M. L. S. has a direct or indirect interest therein.
Madam Speaker, in the Government Programme, under the subtitle “Restoring integrity in the gaming industry”, we have undertaken to restore public confidence in the Gambling Regulatory Authority, particularly in regard to its oversight on the horseracing industry. Relevant amendments will be brought to the Act to ensure that the GRA operates as a trustworthy regulator of the gaming and betting industry, in a transparent and accountable manner. Madam Speaker, the Gambling Regulatory Act 2007 has, inter alia, the following objectives – (i) promoting public confidence in the integrity of horseracing industry by ensuring proper standards of conduct and competence; (ii) ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and transparent manner; (iii) fostering responsible gambling in order to minimise harm caused by gambling, and (iv) promoting the welfare and leisure of the race-going public. It is worth reminding the House, Madam Speaker, that under the last regime, the GRA instead of furthering its objectives – this is why I spelt them out – as in the Act, developed an incestuous relationship with some in the gambling world. The GRA became a den of notorious agents at the service of their political masters. From 2015 to 2024, the GRA totally destroyed public confidence in the gambling industry and the horseracing industry. In fact, it literally decimated horseracing in Mauritius. It acted more as a Gambling Promoting Authority dishing out various licences in every nook and corner of the country. That is how the then Government, if you remember, in 2015, said they want to prevent Mauritius from becoming “enn Nation zougader”. This is precisely what they did.
27 Regarding part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority, that a total number of 186 licences has been issued…
(Interruptions)
Ça va ! Ça va !
…has been issued.
Il y a de quoi être choqué !
I am sorry!
It was a mosquito!
(Interruptions)
I repeat, Madam Speaker…
I am sorry, hon. Prime Minister.
Yes, don’t worry!
It is the equipment!
Yes, I am sure. Like everything else in this country; everything is falling apart! I am informed, Madam Speaker, by the Gambling Regulatory Authority, as I said, that a total number of 186 licences has been issued to SMS PARIAZ Ltd from 2015…
Bandit !
… to November 2024, and they are as follows – (i) 25 Bookmaker licences for conducting fixed odds betting through remote communication by SMS; (ii) 20 Bookmaker licences for conducting fixed odds betting on football matches taking place outside Mauritius, and (iii) 141 Limited payout machine licences. With regard to part (b) of the question, Madam Speaker, I am tabling a list of the names of the current shareholder and Directors of SMS PARIAZ Ltd obtained from the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
28 According to this list, Mr J.M.L.S. is neither a shareholder nor a Director of SMS PARIAZ Ltd. I am, however, informed by the GRA that Mr J.M.L.S. was a shareholder of SMS PARIAZ Ltd from 22 April 2009 to 23 May 2014. He was also a Director of SMS PARIAZ Ltd from 15 January 2008 to 17 April 2009 and from 10 January 2013 to 18 March 2013. According to records at the Corporate and Business Registration Department, there has been successive transfer of shares from Mr J.M.L.S. to a list of persons and, eventually, in 2014 to Mr P. T. – I am not saying the full name. I am informed by the GRA that at the time of application of his personal management licence, Mr J.M.L.S. submitted a copy of the registered Power of Attorney in favour of Mr P. T. who is the sole shareholder of SMS PARIAZ Ltd at the time, and giving him Power of Attorney to generally act on his behalf to manage, conduct, carry on and administer all his affairs and properties in Mauritius and to represent and act for him in all matters. It is clear, Madam Speaker, it appears at least, that it could be a case of prête-nom, and this is being looked into.
Thank you. Yes, hon. Member!
Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Madam Speaker, given that there are other betting shops, I will mention a few – (i) Bosco; (ii) Silver Sports; (iii) Easy Win; (iv) ValuePlus; (v) Peerless; (vi) Toppool; (vii) Footy; (viii) Bet Online, and (ix) Booksystem.
29 All these are apparently operating under the same umbrella, but sous des différents prête- noms. In order to shed light on all these issues and in public interest, can the hon. Prime Minister undertake to establish a full-fledged inquiry in order to enquire on the empire of J.M.L.S.? Thank you.
Yes, I could, but I must say that on 20 March 2025, SMS PARIAZ Ltd lodged a case at the Supreme Court against the GRA.
Yes, hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! AGALÉGA – AIRSTRIP CONSTRUCTION – GOVERNMENT OF MAURITIUS & GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AGREEMENT