North West Gambling Board engages Mahikeng youth on responsible gambling
NWGB officials addressed gambling-related harm and the risks associated with irresponsible gambling behaviour.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) participated in a youth consultation engagement in Mahikeng, where officials discussed responsible gambling risks and invited young people to take part in a community outreach scheduled for later in March.
Named the Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS), the consultation was hosted by the Office of the Premier North West in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The event took place on Saturday, March 14, at Seasons Conference and Weddings in Mahikeng and brought together young people, government stakeholders and public entities to discuss youth participation in governance and development programmes.
Discussions were organised around five policy pillars: education and skills development; economic participation; social cohesion and nation-building; physical and mental health, including pandemic preparedness; and youth development systems.
During the session on physical and mental health, NWGB officials addressed gambling-related harm and the risks associated with irresponsible gambling behaviour. The regulator explained that excessive gambling can lead to financial losses, stress and mental health challenges. Participants were also reminded that gambling is legally restricted to adults and should be approached as regulated entertainment rather than a source of income.
NWGB officials used the opportunity to invite young people to attend its next responsible gambling public outreach event, scheduled for March 26 in Sannieshof. The outreach programme will provide information on responsible gambling, warning signs of problem gambling and available support services for individuals affected by gambling-related harm.
The NWGB encouraged young people to share the information within their networks and act as ambassadors for responsible gambling in their communities.
