Luck has finally run out for illegal gambling machines
These machines have not gone through testing and certification by the standards authority, and as a result they cannot be allowed for public use, as they have a potential to cause health risks and to swindle unsuspecting members of the public of their money.
MBOMBELA – Miss Mpumalanga 2015, who is also the Mpumalanga Gambling Board (MGB) ambassador, Zamanene Nene attended the destruction of 34 illegal gambling machines. They had been seized from illegal operations throughout the province.
The machines, the majority of which are Chinese roulettes or 50-cent ones as popularly known by locals, were confiscated following a number of sting operations conducted by the MGB in conjunction with the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
These machines have not gone through testing and certification by the standards authority, and as a result they cannot be allowed for public use, as they have a potential to cause health risks and to swindle unsuspecting members of the public of their money.
“We appeal to members of the public to stay alert from falling prey to illicit operators, selling illegal gambling machines or offering any form of gambling without a valid gambling licence, which must always be on display at licensed gambling venues.
The illegal operators do not only deceive the public, but also undermine government’s efforts on job creation and gambling taxes,” said the board’s CEO, Mr Bheki Mlambo.
The machines destroyed on Friday had been used as evidence in court cases.
“They have no redeeming social value, therefore, they are subject to destruction.
The MGB will continue to monitor any locations that may be using these illegal devices.
If anyone is still in possession of illegal gambling machines out there, they need to take note and remove such from public use.
Other illegal gambling activities that the public need to be aware of and desist from, are gambling on the Internet, fafi (umshaina) and any betting in areas or venues without a licence,” Mlambo
went on.
