NWGB leads responsible gambling awareness drive at Mahikeng City College
Officials cautioned students against viewing gambling as a viable source of income, stressing that gambling is a game of chance rather than a guaranteed way to make money.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in partnership with the National Gambling Board (NGB), the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), has stepped up efforts to curb gambling-related harm among young people through a responsible gambling awareness campaign held at Mahikeng City College.
During the session, officials cautioned students against viewing gambling as a viable source of income, stressing that gambling is a game of chance rather than a guaranteed way to make money. Speakers also addressed the persistent challenge of underage gambling, noting that learners are often introduced to gambling through informal games such as zwepe, dice and card games, as well as through access to unregulated gambling machines commonly found in tuck shops. Similar patterns have been observed nationally, with the SARGF identifying early exposure to gambling as a key driver of problem gambling behaviour later in life.
The campaign further outlined common warning signs of problem gambling among learners, including bullying, stealing to fund bets and declining academic performance. Learners were educated on the differences between licensed and unlicensed gambling operations, with emphasis placed on the dangers posed by illegal machines and online platforms that operate outside regulatory oversight.
In addition, students received information on the social and financial risks associated with excessive gambling, the importance of seeking help early and the support mechanisms available to those affected. Representatives from the SARGF informed attendees about free counselling and treatment services offered through the National Responsible Gambling Programme, reinforcing that help is available at no cost to individuals and families affected by gambling-related harm.
The intervention comes amid growing national concern over the increasing participation of students and young people in online betting and informal gambling activities. Recent warnings from the NGB have highlighted a surge in illegal and unregulated online gambling platforms, which pose heightened risks of addiction and financial distress, particularly among youth and other vulnerable groups.
The NWGB said the Mahikeng outreach forms part of broader, ongoing efforts to raise awareness and promote responsible gambling behaviour across the province, particularly within educational institutions where young people are increasingly exposed to gambling influences.
