LIMPOPO GAMBLING BOARD A/REPORT 2022/23

1. Foreword by the Member of Executive Council

Since the beginning of the 2022/23 Financial Year, the operating environment of the gambling industry, not only in the province but the country at large, demonstrated significant improvements. This was after the total removal of all the restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic. The gambling industry bounced back quickly to full activity demonstrated by increased contribution to the country’s gross domestic product, revenue generation capacity of the Limpopo Gambling Board, and the entrance of new gambling licensees performing quite beyond expectations. Given this impressive performance by the industry, we shower the gambling industry in the Limpopo province with accolades for making such significant contribution to the provincial economic development and job creation. The Limpopo Gambling Board is one of the shining stars in the province in terms of running a

clean administration, generating more revenue for the province, developing the economy, protecting existing jobs while also creating new ones as it continues to implement developmental programmes aimed at uplifting the standards of living for the poor, as well as empowering local communities - youth and women in particular. More and more people are getting employed in the industry even at the time when the global economy is shedding jobs. Through their generosity in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility, I have witnessed the gambling industry donate school shoes to needy learners in rural areas and hand over a community computer centre in Senwabarwana in March 2023. Indeed, through the industry intervention and collaboration with the Limpopo Gambling Board, today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will definitely be even better than today. Though, faced with the challenge of illegal gambling and illicit money laundering, the sector continues to stake its claim in the economic development of our province. However, through the partnership with the South African Police Service, the Limpopo Gambling Board continued to make significant strides in combating these illegal gambling activities. I am pleased with the partnership formed between the Limpopo Gambling Board and the Financial Intelligence Centre to fight potential illicit money laundering and terrorism financing activities identified as strategic deficiencies within the gambling industry by the Financial Action Task Force. All thanks go to the operators of all the Casinos, Totalisators, Bingos, Bookmakers and LPM Operators in the province who stood with us even during difficult times, knowing full well that the industry in Limpopo is worth taking care of because of the stewardship provided by the Board and Management.

LIMPOPO GAMBLING BOARD

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