DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling in North West

The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has declared a firm stance against illegal gambling operations, vowing to enforce tighter compliance across the North West Province.

This comes after MEC Lenkopane led a major enforcement operation under the Thuntsa Lerole Service Delivery Campaign, which saw the confiscation and destruction of approximately 278 illegal gambling machines across Rustenburg and Koster. The machines, believed to be part of a network designed and distributed by a Chinese national previously arrested in Vryburg and currently out on bail, continue to flood the province’s informal retail spaces.

“These illegal gambling machines are mushrooming in spaza shops and liquor outlets, creating dangerous environments for our communities, especially children,” Lenkopane warned. “Some of these machines are not only illegal but are also being used to distribute drugs and pornographic content.”

The MEC expressed deep concern over the exposure of children to gambling activities in outlets that lack regulatory oversight. She emphasized that such environments can lead to early gambling addiction and increase the risk of drug abuse among minors.

Lenkopane has urged all businesses involved in illegal gambling to cease operations immediately, stating that DEDECT’s Business Regulations Unit, together with the North West Gambling Board, will intensify operations to clamp down on offenders.

“Illegal gambling eats into the revenue of licensed operators and threatens the sustainability of the legal gambling industry,” she said. “We must protect the industry’s integrity and ensure that gambling contributes positively to our economy.”

In a move to promote legal gambling partnerships, MEC Lenkopane proposed a review and possible extension of licensing conditions for Limited Pay-out Machines (LPMs), which could allow spaza shops and similar outlets to collaborate with licensed operators in a compliant manner.

“The department is committed to protecting our youth. If we fail to take decisive action against illegal gambling, we risk compromising their futures,” she said. “Children need guidance and protection, not exposure to harmful activities at such a young age.”

DEDECT has reaffirmed its commitment to public education, enforcement, and the creation of safer recreational environments for all residents of the North West.