NWGB educates Makapanstad residents on dangers of illegal gambling
Regulator takes its campaign against illegal and problem gambling to province.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has taken its ongoing campaign against illegal and problem gambling in the province to Makapanstad. On July 31, 2025, board officials met with residents to explain the risks of unregulated gambling and encouraged the community to report any illegal activities.
According to the Financial Intelligence Centre, unauthorised gambling operations are costing the North West province over R10 million (€486,456) annually in lost tax revenue. Also, illegal machines are reported to earn three times more than licensed operators, largely by evading taxes. These revenue drains and player safety fears have compelled the province to step up its efforts against black market gambling in recent times.
Operating unlicensed gambling machines is a criminal offence under the North West Gambling Act, 2001 (Act No. 2 of 2001), with penalties including fines, equipment confiscation and potential imprisonment. In 2024, the NWGB seized 267 illegal machines in operations conducted in Vryburg and Lichtenburg.
The outreach effort also addressed the dangers of problem gambling, including financial hardship, emotional distress and social harm. Residents were trained on identifying common warning signs such as overspending, neglecting responsibilities and chasing losses.
The board recommended that individuals struggling with problem gambling seek assistance from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARF), which provides complimentary counselling services and personalised sessions with psychologists. They can also self-exclude from all gambling premises for a minimum of six months by sending a formal request to the NWGB.
In 2024, North West contributed 2.3 per cent to the total GGR in the South African gambling market, according to a report recently released by SOFTSWISS. The study attributes the growth in the province’s online gambling sector to high smartphone adoption, reliable internet access and easy licensing process.
