NWGB takes responsible gambling drive to Ventersdorp SASSA paypoint
The board warned that using social grants for gambling is prohibited and constitutes misuse of funds.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has marked the start of its responsible gambling campaign this month with an outreach program held at the Ventersdorp SASSA paypoint. The event, held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, specifically targeted grant beneficiaries.
The board warned that using social grants for gambling is prohibited and constitutes misuse of funds. Staff also informed residents that gambling machines found in tuckshops are unregulated by the NWGB and deprive the government of tax revenue. The board emphasised: “Illegal gambling sites do not contribute to the system, and it’s our responsibility to inform the public about the risks associated with these unscrupulous operators.”
This campaign is part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery initiative, which has seen the NWGB collaborate with stakeholders to promote responsible gambling across the province.
Alongside its outreach efforts, the board is also actively cracking down on illegal gaming operations. In the first seven months of 2025, the regulator confiscated 731 illegal gambling machines from corner shops and shebeens. On May 9 alone, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane oversaw the destruction of 257 units in Rustenburg and 278 in Koster. Each seized device had evaded the R52,000 (€2,593) annual levy that legal casinos pay per machine.
