WATCH: Outdated gambling machines destroyed in Mpumalanga
The MER continues to take a strong stance against outdated gambling machines.
Ninety outdated slot machines from the Emnotweni Casino were officially removed and demolished on Tuesday, June 24. The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), in partnership with the casino, ordered the destruction of the machines at Nieuwco Mpumalanga in Rocky Drift.
This formed part of MER’s efforts to eliminate the possibility of illegal use, tampering, or resale of gambling equipment that no longer meets industry standards.
According to MER spokesperson Cedric Chiloane, the destruction of the outdated slot machines serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious gambling activities.
Illegal gambling extends beyond slot machines and includes street card games, dice games played for money, betting on fahfee (umshayina), and online gambling through unlicensed platforms.
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“Last year, we destroyed about 119 machines, and we have since continued to search for illegal machines, including Chinese roulette gambling machines found at spaza shops,” he said.
Chiloane added that licensed establishments are required to produce valid gambling certificates and encouraged the public to verify the legitimacy of gambling operations before participating. The MER is tasked with upholding standards of compliance, safety and fair play in the gaming industry.
The protection of minors is also a key focus of the organisation. Chiloane urged business owners not to place gambling machines in public spaces, as they are intended strictly for adult entertainment. “By conducting these raids and confiscations in the illegal market, we are sending a clear message – even spaza shops must understand that they are not allowed to have these machines,” he said.
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The destruction of the obsolete machines was carried out under strict regulatory oversight to ensure the equipment was rendered completely unusable.
*The headline of this article have been changed since it was first published. The word “illegal” has been replaced by “outdated”. Lowveld Media apologises for any confusion this may have caused.
