NGB, NWGB, and CoGTA Launch Gambling Awareness Campaigns in North West
The National Gambling Board (NGB), in partnership with the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) and community development workers from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), conducted initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of underage and illegal gambling.
In North West province, the teams met commuters and taxi operators at the busy Huhudi taxi rank in Vryburg. They shared information, built public trust, and encouraged people to make informed and responsible choices.
Officials also visited the Sarafina community in Potchefstroom’s Chris Hani district. They spoke with residents about the legal and financial risks of illegal gambling and explained how to identify and report unlawful gambling activities.
A key focus of the national campaign is the rise in underage gambling. During recent high school visits, including workshops at Colinda Senior Secondary School in Vryburg, facilitators taught learners about the risks of gambling.
Early exposure to betting can mislead young people about gambling. They may mistake games of chance for a reliable way to earn a living. Gambling is only for adults aged 18 and older and should be treated as entertainment, not as a source of income.
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These community-based campaigns aim to help people recognise problem gambling and report illegal operators. By working with CoGTA Community Development Workers (CDWs), regulators can provide information in local languages and tailor it to the economic realities of township households.
Consumers are encouraged to follow responsible gambling practices, like setting a strict budget and stopping when it is spent, never gambling when stressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, taking regular breaks, and never using money meant for essentials such as rent, food, or school fees.
People who are unable to control their gambling can apply to be listed on the National Register for Excluded Persons under Section 14 of the National Gambling Act. Registration legally bars them from entering licensed gambling premises or placing legal bets nationwide.
