Northern Cape police seize illegal Chinese roulette machines in Kimberley
The raid forms part of the annual Safer Festive Season campaign, when police and the gambling board step up action against illegal betting ahead of the December paydays.
South Africa.- The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape has confiscated six Chinese Roulette gambling devices from local tuck shops in Kimberley. The targeted operation, which took place on November 25, focused on the popular but unlicensed Chinese Roulette devices, worth R10,000 (€503) each, bringing the total value of the seized equipment to R60,000 (€3,019).
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Sey of the Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods unit led the inspections. Acting on intelligence, police secured a search warrant and raided multiple stores in Roodepan, West End, and nearby areas.
The raid forms part of the annual Safer Festive Season campaign, when police and the gambling board step up action against illegal betting ahead of the December paydays.
Although no arrests were made during the operation, police registered an inquiry docket to track down the owners and suppliers, and are now analysing serial numbers and payment records seized from the machines.
Chinese Roulette machines offer a fast-paced wheel-and-ball betting game similar to roulette. Players place small cash bets directly into the machine and can cash out winnings on the spot, making the units attractive to shop owners looking for extra revenue and to customers wanting quick entertainment.
However, these devices fall under strict prohibition in South Africa. The National Gambling Act and Northern Cape Gambling Act classify them as illegal gambling devices when offered without a provincial licence, which almost none receive.
The Northern Cape Gambling Board (NCGB) has repeatedly stated that the machines do not meet technical standards and cannot be legally placed in non-casino premises. According to the NCGB, the machines operate without age checks, loss limits or responsible gambling features, draining money from communities that can least afford it, while generating no tax revenue.
