The North West Gambling Board says it is continuing efforts to destroy illegal gambling machines across the province.
The board says more than 300 illegal machines were destroyed last year and further confiscations are ongoing.
Chief Executive Officer Boitumelo Qalinge says illegal gambling operations negatively affect both the economy and individuals.
“Previously as a province we had destructed a number of machines about 300 which was last year. And we are continuing also to confiscate other machines in the province. And the element that illegal gambling also has is that on responsible gambling is that they don’t care about the punters, they will not have any system in place to assist those who have problem with gambling,” says Qalinge.
“They will just let you waste your money playing many bets without even stopping you. So for those licensed operators they have systems in place where they can be able to stop a punter,” she adds.
Some residents have raised concerns about the impact of illegal gambling in their communities.
One resident says, “There are gambling machines in tuckshops and children use them all the time when they are sent to go buy something.”
Another one explains, “Learners don’t have food because their grant money is spent on gambling. Parents use the grant money, the whole 2 300 gambled away because parents are addicted and their children are addicted to gambling on the machines, especially on the grant pay day.”
Kimberley residents destroy illegal spaza shop gambling machines targeting children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hLHY_0qZVA
