The Mpumalanga Gambling Board (MGB) destroyed 45 illegal gambling machines.

These devices, which continued to infiltrate the gambling environment at the expense of legalised gambling operations, were confiscated from illegal operations throughout the province.

The gadgets, the majority of which are Chinese roulette, or 50c- machines as popularly known to the public, were confiscated following a number of investigations conducted by the MGB.

They were not licensed by the MGB, and had not gone through laboratory testing and certification by the standards authority. They could not be allowed for public use, as they have the potential to cause health risks and to cheat unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned 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 licence, which must always be on display at gambling venues. The illegal operators do not only deceive the public, but also undermine government’s efforts of balancing the social costs and benefits of gambling through licensing.

“The machines destroyed on November 4 were those used as evidence in court cases. They had no redeeming social value, therefore they were subject to destruction. The MGB will continue to monitor any location that may be using illegal devices. If anyone is still in possession of illegal gambling machines out there, they must remove such from public consumption before the arm of the law pounces on them.

“Other illegal gambling activities that the public needs to be aware of and refrain from, include gambling on the Internet, ‘fahfee’ (Mo-china) and any betting in areas or venues without a licence,” stated MGB ambassador, Miss Mpumalanga, Elaine Mkhabela.

To report any illegal gambling activities or to ascertain the legality of such activities and venues in your area, contact the Mpumalanga Gambling Board on 013-750-8000 or email gamblingcontrol@mgb.org.za.