NWGB educates Iketletseng Secondary School students on responsible gambling
The outreach at Iketletseng aligns with the wider provincial strategy to curb illegal gambling and promote lawful, responsible practices.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) recently visited Iketletseng Secondary School as part of its ongoing responsible gambling campaign, a collaborative effort with the Departments of Social Development, Health, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During the engagement, the NWGB highlighted the dangers of underage betting and gambling addiction. Officials explained how seemingly harmless betting can develop into compulsive habits that damage mental health, erode self-esteem and lead to financial distress. The Board also promoted the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)’s free treatment and counselling services, available to anyone struggling with gambling-related harm.
Representatives from partnering agencies addressed other youth concerns like bullying and substance abuse. They linked gambling addiction to other social risks, pointing out that issues like anxiety, depression and academic decline often overlap with substance abuse and aggressive behaviour, creating a vicious cycle for vulnerable adolescents. Learners were urged to seek help early, confide in trusted adults and make use of available support channels.
The outreach at Iketletseng aligns with the wider provincial strategy to curb illegal gambling and promote lawful, responsible practices. In past months, the regulator has targeted unlicensed operations in informal shops, warning communities about the dangers posed by these venues to underage individuals and local economies. Its visits to towns such as Ditsobotla, Potchefstroom and Rustenburg have combined enforcement measures with community education.
By integrating gambling awareness into a school-based programme, the NWGB aims to prevent problem habits from forming early on. The collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment among government agencies to create safer learning environments and address the underlying drivers of risky behaviour in the North West province.
