Confiscation of 155 unlicensed devices highlights growing enforcement drive against unlawful gambling in the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Gambling Board (ECGB) has publicly commended the Nyandeni Local Municipality following a significant enforcement operation that led to the seizure of 155 illegal gambling machines before they could be distributed across the province. The action is being hailed as a major step forward in the fight against unregulated gambling activities that continue to threaten consumer protection, public revenue, and community wellbeing in South Africa.
According to the ECGB, the machines were discovered inside a container and intercepted prior to their deployment at various illegal gambling sites within the Eastern Cape. By stopping the distribution at this early stage, authorities were able to prevent the expansion of unlawful gambling operations that often target vulnerable communities and operate outside the country’s regulatory framework.
The regulator emphasised that the success of the operation was the result of strong cooperation between municipal authorities and gambling enforcement agencies. Nyandeni Municipality’s proactive approach, supported by intelligence-led inspections and compliance monitoring, was cited as an example of how local government can play a crucial role in safeguarding regulated industries.
ECGB also noted that the seizure followed ongoing public awareness campaigns conducted in the Nyandeni area. These initiatives aim to educate community members about the risks associated with illegal gambling, how to identify unlicensed machines, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. Such outreach has increasingly become a cornerstone of the regulator’s enforcement strategy, helping to build trust and cooperation between authorities and the public.
Illegal gambling machines, including unapproved electronic devices such as so-called “Chinese Roulette” machines, remain a persistent challenge across the Eastern Cape. ECGB has repeatedly warned that these machines cannot be legally registered, tested, or certified under South African gambling legislation. As a result, they offer no consumer protections, fair play assurances, or guaranteed payouts, leaving players exposed to exploitation and financial harm.
Zuko Phandle, Manager for Audit and Compliance at the ECGB, reiterated that unlicensed gambling operations undermine the regulated sector and deprive the state of much-needed revenue that would otherwise support public services. Licensed operators, by contrast, are subject to strict compliance requirements, including responsible gambling measures and contributions to provincial revenue streams.
The regulator described the Nyandeni seizure as part of a broader, intensified enforcement drive across the province, with similar operations planned in other municipalities. ECGB stressed that illegal gambling will not be tolerated and warned operators that enforcement actions will continue to escalate.
By preventing these machines from entering circulation, the Nyandeni operation not only disrupted illegal supply chains but also reinforced the message that collaboration between regulators, municipalities, and communities is essential in protecting the integrity of South Africa’s gambling industry.
