Lenkopane reiterated this stance in a keynote address at the North West Gambling Board (NWGB)<\/strong>\u2019s Responsible Gambling Public Outreach held in Sannieshof<\/strong>. The event brought together regulators, industry stakeholders and community members to discuss rising concerns around illegal gambling and addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking under the theme \u201cPlay Smart. Stay Legal. Together We Gamble Responsibly\u201d,<\/strong> the MEC said the gambling sector continues to play a measurable role in public revenue generation, job creation and broader economic activity. However, she cautioned that these benefits are weakened when operators fail to comply with regulations or when communities are exposed to unlicensed gambling activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She raised concerns about the presence of illegal gambling machines in local shops, noting that such operations often expose minors to gambling at an early age. According to her, enforcement efforts must prioritise the removal of these machines while strengthening monitoring systems to prevent their return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lenkopane also addressed licensed operators, stating that compliance should not be treated as a procedural obligation but as a requirement for market stability and investor confidence. She added that consistent enforcement creates a level playing field and supports the credibility of the regulated gambling industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts by the NWGB to increase public awareness of responsible gambling practices and reduce gambling-related harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Officials at the event drew attention to rising cases of addiction, particularly in communities with limited access to support services. They acknowledged that collaboration between regulators, operators and communities remains necessary to address these challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/DraftKings-responsible-gambling-900x600-300x200.jpg\")
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