North West records R2.38bn gross gambling revenue
The regulated gambling sector supported 1,641 direct jobs.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) generated R2.38bn (US$144m) in gross gambling revenue during the 2025/26 financial year and contributed R164.5m (US$9.95m) in taxes and levies to the provincial fiscus, according to the 2026/27 budget tabled by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in the North West Provincial Legislature.
Presenting the budget on June 24, Bitsa Lenkopane, DEDECT MEC, said the regulated gambling sector supported 1,641 direct jobs during the year and channelled R7.6m (US$460,000) into community support programmes through initiatives linked to the board’s regulatory activities. Lenkopane said the gambling regulator’s work goes beyond ensuring compliance, contributing to economic participation and development within local communities.
Looking ahead, the 2026/27 budget outlines plans to intensify efforts against illegal gambling across the province. DEDECT and the NWGB intend to adopt a more intelligence-led enforcement strategy and strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies to combat unlicensed gambling activities.
The department said the approach is designed to protect consumers, preserve provincial revenue streams and support sustainable economic growth.
