A Blow to Lawlessness: NWGB to Destroy Over 250 Illegal Gambling Machines in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in collaboration with DEDECT and the South African Police Service (SAPS), will be destroying 257 illegal gambling machines on Friday, 09 May 2025, in Rustenburg and Koster respectively as part of the Thuntsha Lerole accelerated service delivery programme. This decisive action follows extensive law enforcement operations aimed at eradicating the scourge of illegal gambling in the province which is rife particularly in the Bojanala Platinum District municipality.

Some of these machines were confiscated during the various law enforcement operations within the district municipality including the Thuntsha Lerole operations during the 2024/25 Financial Year starting April to March 2025. The Board has raised serious concern about the persistent spread of illegal gambling activities within the district municipality and surrounding areas. In a firm stance, the Acting CEO, Mr Boitumelo Qalinge expressed that the Board is sending a clear and unequivocal message that illegal gambling will not be tolerated neither in the province or anywhere in South Africa. We have strengthened our collaboration with law enforcement to ensure that these machines are removed from public access.

The majority of these machines were confiscated in tuckshops which are run by mostly foreign nationals and over 150 individuals were given fines for possession thereof contravening Section 82 of the North West Gambling Act, 2001 (Act No.2 of 2001) as amended. The Board is working very closely with the South African Police Service including the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Unit to bring the culprits to book.

South Africa continues to face the growing challenge of illegal gambling both physically and via the online platforms. The proliferation of unlicensed gambling machines is compounded by the increasing use of unregulated digital gambling websites, which are easily accessible to minors and are operating beyond the reach of current legislation. These platforms are not only illegal but also target the most vulnerable in society, our children, exposing them to addiction and financial exploitation.

The NWGB has consistently raised concerns over legislative gaps and the slow pace of judicial processes, which embolden illegal operators and frustrate the Board’s enforcement efforts. A comprehensive review of gambling legislation and improved coordination between regulators, law enforcement and the judiciary have been initiated to close loopholes and deliver timely justice.

The destruction of illegal gambling machines will be held as follows:

Date : Friday, 09 May 2025
Time : 09:00 – 11:00
Venues : SAPS facilities – Rustenburg (09:00- 10:00) and Koster (12:00-13:00)

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event.