The hearings, which will be held on Microsoft Teams<\/strong>, are meant to gather community views before the Board makes decisions on big ownership and operational changes in the province\u2019s gambling sector. These changes could affect the betting landscape and shape how the industry grows in the North West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first application is from K2022825938 (Pty) Ltd,<\/strong> which wants approval to take 100 per cent <\/strong>financial interest in bookmaker premises previously held by Omphe Tshiamo (Pty) Ltd<\/strong>. If approved, the new owners will run the business under the Betfred brand. This request follows a similar consent notice that was published in 2023. The hearing will give stakeholders a chance to support or challenge the proposal, helping to keep the process transparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second application is from Varosi 1975 (Pty) Ltd<\/strong>, which is asking for permission to acquire 100 per cent financial interest in the Carousel Casino<\/strong> licence. The company also wants approval to relocate the casino to new premises under Section 45 of the Act.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Carousel Casino, once a popular destination north of Pretoria<\/strong>, was sold by Sun International <\/strong>in 2020 after it shut down due to economic difficulties, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. If this application is successful, the casino could reopen in a new location, upgraded for modern market needs, and bring fresh investment into the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The third application is a joint request to transfer a bingo licence from Pioneer Bingo North West (Pty) Ltd to Galaxy Bingo Klerksdorp (Pty) Ltd<\/strong>, a major operator with several sites across South Africa. The move follows a 2022 Supreme Court of Appeal ruling<\/strong> that confirmed the North West Gambling Board\u2019s power to decide on bingo licence matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By law, the Board is required to consult the public before making decisions on licence changes. This process is designed to reduce risks like problem gambling while making sure the community gains economic benefits. Officials say it also promotes fair competition and responsible gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the applications are approved, they could create new jobs and attract tourism, especially if the Carousel Casino relocation succeeds in reviving the dormant licence. The hearings also come at a time of broader changes in South Africa\u2019s gambling sector, following recent 2025 updates to the Gambling Act<\/strong>, which were discussed in earlier provincial hearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The public can take part through dedicated Microsoft Teams links provided for each case. Residents, business owners and advocacy groups are encouraged to share their views. The Board will then use this feedback to guide its final decisions, aiming to balance economic growth with social safeguards in the North West gambling industry.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/photo-1583087769555-dc42d3805650-300x200.jpg\")
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