South Africa- The African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA) has praised the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) for its continued efforts to combat illegal gambling in South Africa, highlighting strong enforcement as a critical pillar in protecting consumers and strengthening Africa’s regulated gaming industry.
In a statement shared on LinkedIn on August 3, ALGA said effective regulatory enforcement remains essential as illegal gambling operators continue to threaten licensed gaming markets across the continent. The association noted that unlicensed gambling activities undermine consumer protection, reduce government revenue and expose vulnerable individuals to unregulated betting environments.
The commendation follows the North West Gambling Board’s recent enforcement campaign, which saw the destruction of hundreds of illegal gambling machines confiscated from tuck shops and informal businesses across the province. The regulator said the operation forms part of its ongoing strategy to eliminate illegal gambling and improve compliance with South Africa’s gaming laws.
ALGA specifically recognised the leadership of Acting Chief Executive Officer Boitumelo Qalinge, stating that the regulator has demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting the integrity of the legal gambling market through consistent enforcement actions.
According to the association, strong enforcement not only disrupts illegal gambling operations but also helps safeguard children and other vulnerable groups from exposure to unlawful betting activities.
It added that effective regulation creates a safer environment for licensed operators while supporting the sustainable growth of Africa’s regulated gaming sector.
The association also confirmed that tackling illegal gambling will be a major discussion point during the upcoming ALGA CEOs Forum, where regulators, lottery operators and gaming industry leaders will explore new enforcement strategies under the theme “The Black Table.”
Industry stakeholders are expected to discuss stronger cross-border cooperation, regulatory best practices and innovative approaches to combating illegal gambling, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building transparent, responsible and sustainable gaming markets across Africa.
see also…
https://afriplayhub.com/2026/07/24/nlgrb-cracks-down-on-unlicensed-gaming-operations/
