Mpumalanga regulator campaigns against underage gambling at Steve Tshwete schools
During the sessions, officials reminded learners that South African law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from gambling or consuming alcohol.
South Africa.- The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) has intensified its responsible gambling awareness programme by visiting three secondary schools in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality to educate learners about the risks of underage gambling, illegal online betting and alcohol abuse.
The campaign, conducted in partnership with the Department of Education, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) and Miss Mpumalanga 2026, reached learners at Mphanama Secondary School, Ekwazini Secondary School and LD Moetanala Secondary School in Mhluzi.
During the sessions, officials reminded learners that South African law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from gambling or consuming alcohol. They also warned about the dangers of participating in illegal gambling and online betting, stressing the potential consequences for young people.
According to MER, the awareness programme highlighted how underage gambling and substance abuse can contribute to poor academic performance, addiction, mental health challenges, risky behaviour, violence, conflict with the law and long-term harm to future opportunities.
The regulator said the campaign aimed to encourage responsible decision-making and healthy lifestyle choices while equipping learners with the knowledge to resist peer pressure.
At the schools, officials explained the broader social and health risks associated with underage gambling and encouraged learners to seek support from parents, teachers or counselling services whenever they faced challenges.
MER said the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to promote responsible gambling awareness among young people and to prevent underage participation in gambling activities through education and community engagement.
