NWGB leads community outreach against illegal gambling in Ditsobotla
The campaign’s core message was clear: illegal gambling, particularly the operations flourishing within unlicensed spaza and tuck shops, is a menace that undermines community wellbeing.
South Africa.- In recent weeks, the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has been visiting communities in the province to raise awareness about the importance of responsible gambling practices and the potential risks associated with excessive betting.
The latest public outreach initiative took the board to Bodibe Full Gospel Church in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The event was hosted in partnership with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as the Departments of Social Development and Sports, Arts and Culture.
The campaign’s core message was clear: illegal gambling, particularly the operations flourishing within unlicensed spaza and tuck shops, is a menace that undermines community wellbeing. Officials emphasised that such venues, especially those run by foreign nationals, operate without any authorisation from the NWGB and operate illegal gambling machines that are dangerous to the well-being of community members.
Residents at the event expressed concerns over the rising number of illegal gambling machines in the province, citing their role in promoting underage gambling and worsening social problems. They highlighted cases of youngsters being lured into early gambling and drug use. Some children have reportedly taken to collecting and selling recyclable materials merely to feed their gambling addiction.
Concerns were also raised about the economic impact of unregulated gambling, with the illicit operations generating no tax revenue and contributing nothing to the local economy. Attendees examined the root causes of illegal gambling, including poverty, unemployment and inequality, and discussed ways to create opportunities for sustainable growth and community empowerment.
As is its usual practice at previous outreach events, NWGB used the platform to promote the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)’s free treatment and counselling program for individuals and families struggling with problem gambling.
This engagement follows the NWGB’s recent campaigns in Potchefstroom, Rustenburg and Makapanstad. Through its collaboration with communities and other government agencies, the NWGB aims to ensure a safe, responsible and regulated betting environment. A statement from the regulator read: “Our goal is to ensure that gambling, where it does take place, is properly regulated and does not harm individuals, families or communities.”
