1 October 2007
The Gauteng Gambling Board announced today, Monday, 1 October 2007, that it
has embarked on the roll out of limited payout (slot) machines across Gauteng.
The licensing process is expected to start during February 2008. The board
announced a process for the roll out of slot machines which will begin this
month with the board accepting comments from interested parties on the draft
invitation for licenses.
This process will culminate in the awarding of route operator licenses in
December 2008. Chief Executive Officer of the Gauteng Gambling Board, Advocate
Benito Lekalakala, said that the licensing of limited payout machines will
expand existing and provide new entertainment and recreational facilities in
gaming leisure across Gauteng. "Unlike casinos, limited payout machines will be
distributed more widely throughout the province," he said.
Lekalakala said the roll out is also expected to enhance economic growth and
development in the province by facilitating the participation of small and
medium business and by empowering previously disadvantaged individuals in the
gambling industry in line with the provincial Broad Based Black Economic
Empowerment Strategy. "It is critical for us to continue to facilitate the
entry of small and medium sized business and expand participation in the
gambling industry; and the licensing of limited payout machines presents us
with a perfect opportunity to do this," said Lekalakala.
He said the capital required to fund the infrastructure for the roll out of
limited payout machines is less than that of building a casino. This offers a
major opportunity for small and medium business to be part of the gambling
industry. The roll out of limited payout machines is expected to contribute
towards the eradication of illegal gambling and raise additional revenue for
the Gauteng Provincial Government to further improve service delivery.
The Gauteng Gambling Board is a statutory body established in terms of the
Provincial Legislation. It is tasked with the mandate of regulating and
controlling gambling in Gauteng. Gambling and betting taxes collected by the
Gauteng Gambling Board are the second highest contributor to provincial own
revenue. Taxes collected for the 2006/07 financial year amounted to R452,5
million.
The licensing of gambling activities has created 10 000 direct new job
opportunities with a further 25 000 indirect job opportunities. The Gauteng
Gambling Board continues to encourage responsible gambling and last year spent
more than R2 million on various campaigns to promote responsible gambling.
Lekalakala explained that the roll out will provide an excellent opportunity
for previously disadvantaged individuals to participate meaningfully in the
economy of Gauteng.
For more information contact:
Percy Mthimkhulu
Cell: 082 379 1913
Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Gauteng Provincial
Government
1 October 2007
