North West Gambling Board visits Kromellenboog, Le-Rona schools over underage gambling
The Board highlighted the potential consequences of gambling for young people, including loss of money and time, as well as the disruption of education and future plans.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has continued its campaign against underage gambling with visits to two schools in the province, where learners were warned about the potential effects of gambling on their education, finances and wellbeing.
At Kromellenboog Combined School, the session focused on prevention and early intervention, encouraging learners to prioritise their education over gambling. The board said gambling can cost young people time, money, dreams and their future, and pointed those already affected towards SARGF’s free early intervention, treatment and counselling services for young people.
At Le-Rona Secondary School, the board said gambling can affect academic performance, school attendance, behaviour and relationships, and can contribute to bullying, financial and emotional difficulties, and learners dropping out of school.
Learners at both schools were told that gambling is prohibited for anyone under the age of 18 and were encouraged to spend their time on education, sport, creative activities and other constructive pursuits instead.
The NWGB said the visits form part of its broader mandate to promote responsible gambling and reduce underage participation in the North West, following similar outreach sessions at Marikana High School and a Girl Guide camp at Ratheo Primary School.
