ILLEGAL gambling not only destroys livelihoods but it also cheats the South African economy out of billions of rands in taxes.
In order to put a stop to this, the Limpopo Gambling Board and the police have confiscated 183 illegal Chinese roulette gambling machines and computers used for illegal online gambling in various parts of the province over the last six months.
On Monday, 25 July, economic development MEC Thabo Mokone, the gambling board and cops destroyed the machines at Bosveld Scrap Metal in Polokwane.
In addition to the machines, they destroyed 32 touch screen computers and 24 screen monitors confiscated from an illegal online site in Malamulele.
Mokone said: “I’m furious because arrests and fines paid by offenders are currently not serving as a deterrent as many offenders are arrested repeatedly.
“Therefore, I am calling for the introduction of severe penalties for repeat offenders.” and admission of guilt payments for first time offenders only.”
The Capricorn and Waterberg districts were reported as hot spots where the highest number of machines were found at spaza shops owned by foreigners.
Mokone said gambling machines were distributed throughout the province by unknown suppliers. They were usually delivered in the evening to various spaza shops in towns, townships and villages.
“Once distributed, the machines are then utilised for illegal gambling activities,” he said.
“The cash which is exchanged is not accounted for through provincial financial platforms,” he said.
Limpopo Gambling Board CEO Gregory Makoko said: “We are calling upon members of the public to inform the police and report any illegal machines they see.
“The machines are not allowed as they have an impact on provincial revenue.”
told Daily Sun they were working to make the public aware of illegal gambling operations in the province.
