NLGRB Targets Underage Gambling with New School Awareness Campaign in Rakai
The Responsible Gaming Department of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has recently implemented an awareness campaign in secondary schools throughout the Rakai District to address the increasing prevalence of underage gambling. By highlighting the serious dangers of gambling and encouraging mental health and academic commitment, this proactive effort, which was directed at students, teachers, and administrators, sought to destroy the appeal of gambling.
The team conveyed a compelling, evidence-based message to more than 3,000 students during their visits to five institutions. It was emphasized that gambling under the age of 25 is prohibited in Uganda, as outlined in the Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap 334.
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More significantly, gambling poses a risk to development, with several key concerns highlighted. It contributes to academic collapse as it diverts attention and time away from learning, and it can quickly escalate into a compulsive addiction. Financial and emotional devastation also emerges, with the misuse of school fees often resulting in embarrassment, hopelessness, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Feedback further revealed that students are regularly exposed to betting through mobile phones and peer pressure, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Educators additionally voiced concerns about predatory advertising on social media and sports platforms, which continues to fuel the problem.
The Rakai initiative serves as a model for other districts and countries that are currently contending with the proliferation of underage gambling. By integrating education, regulation, and community engagement, we can safeguard young individuals from the concealed hazards of wagering and enable them to pursue productive, fulfilling futures.
