Board dismantles illegal gambling machines
"The majority of the machines were the Chinese roulettes, popularly known as 50-cent machines to locals."
MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Gambling Board (MGB) seized and destructed 34 illegal gambling machines on Friday November 6.
Mr Cedrick Chiloane, communications manager of MGB said it had collaborated with the provincial organised-crime unit and seized the machines from illegal operators throughout Mpumalanga. He said the machines held health risks and could swindle unsuspecting members of the public out of their money.
In addition, the MGB said the machines had no positive social value and were therefore subject to destruction. “The majority of the machines were the Chinese roulettes, popularly known as 50-cent machines to locals,” said Chiloane.
According to the MGB, the illegal machines didn’t undergo laboratory testing and certification by the standards authority, and as a result, they could not be allowed for public use. It appealed to members of the public to prevent them from falling prey to illicit operators, and avoid selling illegal gambling machines or offering any form of gambling without a valid licence.
Those who were still in possession of illegal gambling machines were urged to remove them from public use. “The illegal operators do not only deceive the public, but also undermine government’s efforts on job creation and gambling taxes,” he added.
Chiloane said the MGB will continue to monitor any locations that might be using these illegal devices. Other illegal activities that the public needed to be aware of and desist from were gambling on the Internet, fafi (umshaina) and any betting in areas or venues without a licence.
To report any illegal gambling activities or to ascertain the legality of activities and venues, members of the public can contact the MGB on 013-750-8000 or email gamblingcontrol@mgb.org.za.
