Mpumalanga regulator promotes responsible gambling at Premier’s Imbizo
MER officials stressed that gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a way to generate income or overcome financial challenges.
South Africa.- The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) has stepped up its responsible gambling awareness campaign, using a community outreach event in South Africa’s Nkomazi Local Municipality to educate residents about safer gambling practices, the risks of illegal gambling and the need to protect minors from gambling-related harm.
The regulator participated in an exhibition during the Premier’s Imbizo at Magogeni alongside its ambassador, Miss Mpumalanga 2026, as part of its ongoing public education programme.
During the event, MER officials engaged with community members on responsible gambling, stressing that gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a way to generate income or overcome financial challenges.
Miss Mpumalanga 2026 encouraged residents to make informed decisions when participating in gambling activities and highlighted the potential consequences of excessive gambling, including financial hardship, relationship problems and other gambling-related harm.
The campaign also focused on illegal gambling, with the regulator urging members of the public to participate only in licensed and regulated gambling activities. Parents and guardians were encouraged to prevent children and young people from being exposed to gambling and to discourage underage participation.
In addition to gambling awareness, MER used the exhibition to promote responsible liquor consumption. Community members were advised to avoid excessive alcohol use, refrain from drinking and driving, and prevent alcohol misuse from contributing to violence, family conflict or other harmful behaviour. The regulator also encouraged individuals experiencing gambling or alcohol-related problems to seek support.
The exhibition received a visit from the Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, who met with the MER team and discussed the importance of continued public education initiatives aimed at promoting responsible gambling and responsible alcohol consumption across the province.
MER said the outreach forms part of its broader efforts to improve consumer awareness, encourage responsible participation in regulated gambling and reduce the social harms associated with gambling and alcohol misuse.
