SARGF launches Taking Risk Wisely school programme in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape
The campaign forms part of a broader national effort to reduce underage gambling and improve responsible decision-making among young people.
South Africa.- The South African Responsible Gambling Federation (SARGF) has announced a new rollout of youth awareness activities under the National Responsible Gambling Programme, aimed at educating learners on the risks associated with gambling and other risky behaviours.
The initiative, known as the Taking Risk Wisely School Edition, will engage school children and young adults through awareness sessions focused on responsible decision-making and the dangers linked to gambling addiction and risky behaviour.
From May 11 to May 15, the programme will be carried out across selected schools in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, the Eastern Cape Gambling Board and the Hollywood Foundation.
Organisers say the programme is designed to empower young people with information that encourages informed life choices, while strengthening early prevention efforts through education and community engagement.
The campaign forms part of a broader national effort to reduce underage gambling and improve responsible decision-making among young people. The initiative includes school visits, awareness sessions and the distribution of educational material aimed at helping learners understand the financial, social and psychological effects linked to gambling and impulsive behaviour.
South African law prohibits gambling by anyone under the age of 18, yet regulators and responsible gambling organisations continue to report growing exposure among minors, particularly through online betting platforms and informal gambling activities. Recent awareness campaigns in provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Free State have highlighted concerns about learners being introduced to gambling through peer influence, community card games and mobile betting access.
The SARGF said previous editions of the programme have reached thousands of learners and teachers across all nine provinces. It stated that the initiative continues to play a key role in promoting responsible gambling messaging nationwide, particularly among vulnerable youth groups.
