Northern Cape gambling regulator seizes 11 Chinese roulette machines
The NCGLB says tuckshops are not authorised to operate gambling machines in the province.
South Africa.- A joint operation involving the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board (NCGLB), South African Police Service (SAPS) and Crime Intelligence members in the province has led to the confiscation of 11 illegal Chinese roulette machines allegedly used for illegal gambling.
The enforcement action followed months of intelligence gathering into reports that some tuckshops in local communities were allowing customers to gamble on machines without the required licences.
The investigation findings led authorities to raid eight tuckshops in Griekwastad, where six Chinese roulette machines were confiscated. Six inquiry dockets were also opened in connection with the enforcement action. In Barkly West, authorities confiscated another five Chinese roulette machines and opened five inquiry dockets.
The NCGLB said the operation forms part of its statutory enforcement responsibilities under Section 21 of the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Act 6 of 2024, which provides for action against unlawful gambling activities in the province.
NCGLB CEO Modise Letselebe expressed concern about the use of tuckshops to operate gambling machines, stressing that such businesses are not authorised to provide gambling services. He said the Board remains committed to eliminating the practice.
The regulator also warned about the exposure of minors to gambling through such activities. Letselebe said underage gambling can result in legal consequences, while also creating financial and psychological risks that could affect young people’s future.
The NCGLB is now planning to establish an Illegal Gambling Task Team under its #WeComply campaign to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and other government bodies. The proposed task team will include the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA), municipalities and SAPS, with the aim of developing a coordinated enforcement approach across the province.
The Board said it will continue working with municipalities throughout the province to identify and stop unlawful gambling operations.
