North West Gambling Board hosts key LPM forum in Rustenburg
The meeting provided a structured platform for direct dialogue, transparency and collaborative resolution of industry issues.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board recently hosted its quarterly Limited Payout Machines (LPM) Forum in Rustenburg, bringing together licensed LPM operators and route operators to address operational challenges facing the regulated gambling sector in the province.
According to the board, the meeting provided a structured platform for direct dialogue, transparency and collaborative resolution of industry issues. Participants highlighted the persistent problem of unlicensed gambling operations, which continue to divert revenue from compliant businesses and undermine public confidence in the regulated market.
Board representatives acknowledged these concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to stronger enforcement, working in partnership with law enforcement agencies to suppress illegal activities.
Delegates were informed that the board has completed the first phase of LPM licence allocations and were encouraged to continue submitting applications, in line with the board’s policy of supporting fair and controlled sector growth.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Boitumelo Qalinge provided updates on developments concerning the amended North West Gambling Bills and outlined progress on the socio-economic impact study focused on LPM operations.
The last edition of the forum in May 2025 covered similar agenda items: enforcement against unlicensed gambling, completion of the initial LPM allocation phase, encouragement for additional applications, legislative amendments and the socio-economic study.
Since then, the board has advanced related regulatory work. In November 2025, it hosted the 16th Annual Gaming Regulators Africa Forum in Sun City, emphasising coordinated action against illegal gambling across the continent.
Enforcement activity has also intensified, with illegal gambling machines being regularly seized and destroyed across districts such as Mahikeng and Rustenburg.
