MER destroys illegal gambling machines in Tekwane South

The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), in collaboration with the SAPS, is tackling illegal gambling in the provinces by confiscating illegal gambling machines, mostly at spaza shops.

Shortly after a workshop with some SAPS members from various police stations, directed at how to identify illegal machines and establishments, over 50 Chinese Roulette gambling machines were confiscated.

Some representatives of the MER and police officers gathered at the waste management site in Tekwane South on June 23 to destroy the machines.

“This followed a number of inspections conducted by the MER in collaboration with the police’s provincial organised unit. These machines have not gone through a laboratory testing and certification by the standards authority. As a result, they cannot be allowed for public usage,” said the MER’s corporate relations manager, Judith Khoza.

“It is devastating to see how these machines expose minors to gambling at an early age, which can cause harm through addiction. We do not want to see children addicted to gambling ending up stealing money at home and bunking school to gamble,” said Khoza.

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She said if any member of the public is found participating in illegal gambling practices, they will be convicted and held liable for a fine of up to R10m or 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.

Khoza said the collaboration between the MER and the SAPS to tackle illegal gambling, such as confiscating illegal machines and shutting down illegal establishments, is ongoing.

“All gambling establishments should have their valid certificate visible in their premises. The public can also verify the validity of a gambling certificate through the #MyOutletIsLegal initiative. They can SMS the word ‘verify’ with the establishment’s validation code to 30503. The validation code can be found on the gambling licence certificate.”

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She also encouraged the public to report illegal gambling establishments to their nearest police station or the MER on 013 750 8000.