Illegal Gambling Machines Confiscated in Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal gambling across the province by targeting unauthorized gambling machines, particularly those found in spaza shops.

On October 31, a total of 180 Chinese Roulette gambling machines were seized and destroyed at the Tekwane West Central Waste Disposal Site. These machines, according to MER spokesperson Cedrick Chiloane, had not undergone the required testing or certification by relevant standards authorities, rendering them illegal and unfit for public use.

Chiloane emphasized that the destruction of the machines was a key step in discouraging illegal and underage gambling. “These machines are not suitable for use as they did not meet any standard of safety or fairness. They are being sold at spaza shops, particularly in rural and local areas, where they operate without the necessary licenses,” Chiloane stated.

Unlike legal gambling machines, which are required to pay out a certain percentage of the money taken in, the Chinese Roulette machines confiscated do not provide any payouts. Their design is intended solely to take money from players without offering any return. This creates an unfair and exploitative environment for users, especially minors, who are often targeted in these unregulated gambling operations.

Chiloane also warned about the risks posed by these machines, especially in terms of exposing young people to gambling at an early age. “Such practices can lead to addiction and other harmful consequences for the youth,” he said.

To combat this issue, the MER is urging all gambling establishments to display valid certification prominently on their premises, in line with the regulations governing the industry. The public is also encouraged to report illegal gambling venues to their nearest police stations to help protect the community from the dangers of unregulated gambling activities.