Poker Writer
Authorities in South Africa destroyed 142 illegal gambling machines in Mahikeng in the North West Province in an increased enforcement against unlicensed gambling.
The gambling machines in the city in the center north of the country, not far from the Botswana border, were in a variety of truck stops. Authorities took the machines to a nearby scrap yard to discard them. There, they completely destroyed the machines to eliminate any risk of them being used again. The machines were in locations easily accessible to the public, putting vulnerable populations, such as youth, at risk of using them.
Photos from the North West Gambling Board’s Facebook page show the machines in the scrap yard shortly before the destruction.
North West Province Cracking Down on Illegal Operators
The North West Gambling Board has taken a particular focus on cracking down on illegal operators recently in order to protect the legal gambling industry, as well as the public. There has also been an increase in worry about youth gambling addiction in South Africa.
The stated goal from the board is to “protect communities from the harmful effects of unregulated gambling.” It also urges locals to report any illegal operations. The board wants to promote responsible and legal gambling. The board’s Facebook laid out the goals:
As the Board, we have a legal duty to implement various strategies to eradicate illegal gambling. We also urge business owners to reject any offers to host these illegal machines.
Legal Gambling in South Africa
Much of the focus on combating illegal gambling operations in South Africa is in order to protect the legal gambling avenue, rather than altruistic beliefs against gambling as a whole.
South Africa has a thriving legal gambling landscape with close to 40 casinos. Many of these casinos are located in the larger cities. The North West Province has three casinos, but none in the city of Mahikeng.
Legal online gambling is also allowed in the country. Operators must be licensed by one of the nine provinces’ gambling and racing boards.
