ANOTHER VICTORY AGAINST ILLEGAL GAMBLING IN LIMPOPO!
Limpopo Gambling Board has secured another conviction in the fight against illegal gambling.
The Polokwane Magistrate Court found the accused guilty of operating an illegal online gambling shop in the Polokwane CBD. The establishment operated under the guise of an internet café while providing illegal online gambling services to members of the public.
The accused was arrested on 25 June 2026 during a joint operation conducted by the Limpopo Gambling Board’s Law Enforcement Unit and the South African Police Service (SAPS). During the operation, 17 computers were confiscated.. Further investigations conducted in consultation with the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the accused is a Zimbabwean national who was in the country with expired immigration documentation.
On Thursday 22 Oct 2026, the accused was found guilty and sentenced to 12 months direct imprisonment, with no option of a fine.
Limpopo Gambling Board welcomes the conviction and sentence of direct imprisonment handed down by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court
Illegal gambling undermines the regulated gambling industry, deprives the province of potential revenue, and diverts money away from lawful economic activities. Members of the public who participate in illegal gambling also risk losing their money through unregulated operations that do not provide the protections associated with legally authorised gambling.
The Limpopo Gambling Board will continue to identify and shut down illegal gambling operations and ensure that those involved are prosecuted.
Report illegal gambling to CRIME STOP on 08600 10 111 or the nearest police station or to LGB at 015 230 2300
Two suspects arrested during joint operation against illegal gambling in Botlokwa.
The Limpopo Gambling Board in collaboration with the South African Police Service, Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Unit) and South African Revenue Service (SARS) conducted a joint operation on 13 Oct 2026 at Skhokho Village within the Botlokwa policing area.
During the joint operation, an illegal gambling site operating under the guise of an internet café was identified at Lebeko Mini Plaza, the site was allegedly providing gambling activities to members of the public without the required gambling licence.
Two suspects (one South African national and one Zimbabwean national) were arrested during the operation. The following items were confiscated:
• 27 computer screens
• 19 computer boxes
• Cash amounting to R1,070.00; and
• Three fake certificates.
The suspects and confiscated items were transported to Botlokwa SAPS for further processing.
The Limpopo Gambling Board urges members of the public not to participate in illegal gambling activities or support unlicensed gambling operators.
