Ledet and gambling board destroy illegal machines
The board also raised concerns about the involvement of minors in illegal gambling activities, particularly at spaza shops.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, in partnership with the Limpopo Gambling Board (LGB), gathered last Friday at Bosveld Scrap Metal to oversee the destruction of illegal gambling machines.
The board, working closely with the police under the leadership of Col Schalk van Schalkwyk, conducts regular raids targeting unregistered gambling operations, including those in spaza shops.
“We call on the public to assist us in identifying these illegal machines and to avoid supporting unregistered gambling businesses,” urged a spokesperson.
“Our goal is to eliminate all illegal gambling machines by the end of this year, and from next year, new regulations under the updated legal act will take effect.”
The board, however, also raised concerns about the involvement of minors in illegal gambling activities, particularly at spaza shops.
Chief director for business regulation and governance, Joe Motene furthermore reported that offenders are currently issued fines ranging between R500 and R1 500 through admission-of-guilt processes.
However, the department expressed frustration, noting that 90% of those found operating or possessing illegal gambling machines are foreign nationals.
The event concluded with the destruction of the confiscated gambling machines, highlighting the province’s commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling.
“This sends a clear message – illegal gambling is against the law, and we will not tolerate it,” officials stated.
