North West Gambling Board destroys 142 illegal gambling machines
The regulator said illegal gambling machines expose communities to unregulated gambling and undermine consumer protections provided under the regulated market.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has announced the destruction of 142 unlicensed gambling machines seized during enforcement operations across the province, describing the move as a key step in strengthening enforcement against illegal gambling.
The machines were dismantled at a scrap yard in Mahikeng after being seized from tuck shops and informal businesses operating across the North West’s four districts. According to the Board, many of the machines were located in premises where they were easily accessible to children and other vulnerable members of the community.
The exercise forms part of the NWGB’s broader enforcement strategy aimed at eliminating illegal gambling operations and ensuring that gambling activities in the province comply with the North West Gambling Act, 2001.
Speaking during the demolition, Acting chief executive officer Boitumelo Qalinge said the Board would continue to strengthen its enforcement efforts against illegal gambling while warning business owners against allowing unlawful gambling machines on their premises.
He noted: “As the Board, we have a legal duty to implement various strategies to eradicate illegal gambling. We also urge business owners to reject any offers to host these illegal machines. Operating or allowing these machines on business premises is a direct contravention of Section 82(1) of the North West Gambling Act, 2001.”
The regulator said illegal gambling machines are commonly installed in small retail outlets and informal businesses without the required licences, exposing communities to unregulated gambling and undermining consumer protections provided under the regulated market.
In addition to enforcement activities, the Board called on residents to report suspected illegal gambling operations and work with law enforcement authorities to identify and remove unlawful gambling activities from their communities.
The NWGB said public cooperation remains an important part of its strategy to combat illegal gambling, alongside public education, inspections, confiscations and prosecutions where necessary.
