North West MEC highlights need for compliance to sustain gambling sector
Bitsa Lenkopane said the gambling sector continues to play a measurable role in public revenue generation, job creation and broader economic activity.
South Africa.- The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has emphasised that gambling must not come at the cost of family well-being, noting that its long-term sustainability depends on strict adherence to legal and responsible practices.
Lenkopane reiterated this stance in a keynote address at the North West Gambling Board (NWGB)’s Responsible Gambling Public Outreach held in Sannieshof. The event brought together regulators, industry stakeholders and community members to discuss rising concerns around illegal gambling and addiction.
Speaking under the theme “Play Smart. Stay Legal. Together We Gamble Responsibly”, the MEC said the gambling sector continues to play a measurable role in public revenue generation, job creation and broader economic activity. However, she cautioned that these benefits are weakened when operators fail to comply with regulations or when communities are exposed to unlicensed gambling activities.
She raised concerns about the presence of illegal gambling machines in local shops, noting that such operations often expose minors to gambling at an early age. According to her, enforcement efforts must prioritise the removal of these machines while strengthening monitoring systems to prevent their return.
Lenkopane also addressed licensed operators, stating that compliance should not be treated as a procedural obligation but as a requirement for market stability and investor confidence. She added that consistent enforcement creates a level playing field and supports the credibility of the regulated gambling industry.
The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts by the NWGB to increase public awareness of responsible gambling practices and reduce gambling-related harm.
Officials at the event drew attention to rising cases of addiction, particularly in communities with limited access to support services. They acknowledged that collaboration between regulators, operators and communities remains necessary to address these challenges.
