NWGB takes action against illegal gambling in Delareyville
The inspection team visited liquor outlets, grocery stores and restaurants to verify adherence to liquor licensing rules, gambling regulations and consumer safety standards.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), has carried out a compliance inspection in Delareyville, as part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal gambling and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in the North West Province.
The inspection team visited liquor outlets, grocery stores and restaurants to verify adherence to liquor licensing rules, gambling regulations and consumer safety standards. The operation led to the seizure of six illegal gambling machines, including one at a local tavern, and the other five from two restaurants. Three establishments were also issued fines of R1,500 (€70) each for varying violations.
The effort fits into a broader provincial initiative that saw the removal of 196 illegal gaming machines in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. In a recent statement, Simon Mogapi, NWGB’s Gambling Control Manager, said that unlicensed machines drain community resources and expose people to unfair odds without oversight.
Beyond enforcement, the team stopped by Tic Tac Delareyville, a licensed venue, to speak directly with patrons and locals about the risks of illegal betting. From the community engagement, the board realised that many locals struggle to differentiate between legal and illegal gambling operators. In response, the board shared details on licensed operators and how to identify them, while also encouraging the public to report illegal gambling via phone, WhatsApp and email.
In recent weeks, the board has undertaken similar outreaches in Potchefstrom, Ditsobola, Rustenburg and Makapanstad.
