The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), successfully hosted a Responsible Gambling Public Outreach on 26 March 2026 in Sannieshof, bringing together key stakeholders from government, law enforcement and the gambling industry.
Held under the theme “Play Smart. Stay Legal. Together We Gamble Responsibly,” the outreach marked a significant step towards strengthening awareness, promoting responsible gambling practices and intensifying the fight against illegal gambling operations across the province.
The engagement was led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, and attended by representatives from the African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA), National Gambling Board, South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, South African Police Services (SAPS), as well as industry operators including Sunbet, Vukani Gaming, Goldrush and Betfred.
Welcoming guests, the NWGB Acting CEO, Boitumelo Qalinge emphasised the importance of education, awareness and community engagement in addressing gambling related harm. He reiterated that gambling should be viewed strictly as a form of entertainment and not as a means of generating income.
“We must change behaviour and empower our communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Responsible gambling begins with understanding the risks and exercising control,” said Qalinge.
Delivering the keynote address, MEC Lenkopane highlighted the dual nature of the gambling sector as both an economic contributor and a potential social risk if not properly regulated. “While gambling contributes to public revenue, job creation and economic growth, it must never come at the expense of families and communities. We must protect our people, especially the youth from the dangers of illegal gambling,” said MEC Lenkopane.
She strongly condemned the proliferation of illegal gambling operations, particularly those operating in communities and exposing minors through unregulated machines in local shops. The MEC further emphasised that compliance with gambling regulations is essential for a sustainable and ethical industry.
The outreach featured panel discussions, presentations and testimonies, including lived experiences from a recovering gambler, which highlighted the realities of addiction and the importance of seeking support. Key topics included responsible gambling trends, enforcement operations and available treatment and counselling services.
The African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA) underscored that the outreach represents more than awareness, it reflects a collective commitment to action across the sector.
“This initiative signals a shift from awareness to responsibility. Communities are not only recognising the risks associated with illegal gambling but are actively choosing to engage responsibly. This strengthens both community protection and the integrity of the gaming sector,” ALGA noted.
Stakeholders further highlighted ongoing collaborative enforcement efforts between the NWGB and law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal gambling operations, which continue to undermine the regulated industry and expose communities to criminal activities.
Community members were urged to refrain from participating in illegal gambling, particularly informal betting such as fafi (“mochina”), dice, zwepe and to avoid unlicensed machines often found in spaza and tuck shops. The public was also encouraged to report illegal operations and support government efforts in protecting communities.
The event concluded with a strong call for collective action, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to work together to combat illegal gambling and promote responsible behaviour.
ENDS