Learners in South Africa Urged to Take Risks Wisely in Fight Against Underage Gambling
A new awareness campaign is calling on young people to think carefully about the risks they take, as concerns grow over the rise of underage gambling in South Africa. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) has launched its “Taking Risks Wisely School Edition”, a project designed to educate learners about the dangers of illegal gambling and addiction. The campaign will run from 11 to 15 May 2026 at schools in Motherwell and New Brighton in the Eastern Cape.
Although gambling by minors is against the law, organisers say many children are still being drawn into betting activities. In some cases, gambling has become a way for young people to try to help struggling families facing financial pressure. Experts have also warned that teenagers may turn to gambling as a way to deal with stress, fit in with friends, or seek excitement and acceptance.
The campaign, delivered in partnership with the Hollywood Foundation and the Eastern Cape Gambling Board, will focus on reducing harm and teaching healthy coping strategies. The programme is also aimed at helping learners understand the law and the long-term consequences of gambling too early.
Research linked to the initiative found several factors that increase the chances of early gambling exposure. These include peer influence, the need to belong, easy access to gambling platforms, constant advertising, and personality traits linked to thrill-seeking behaviour.
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Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, said multiple social pressures are pushing young people toward gambling, “Peer pressure, access to illegal underage gambling, exposure to gambling culture, and the normalisation of risky behaviour all play a role in drawing young people into gambling activities.”
“This programme focuses on offering free support to young people who may be directly impacted by illegal underage gambling or the harmful effects of problem gambling within their homes,” she continued.
The NRGP also provides free psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic counselling services for minors affected by gambling, with consent from parents or legal guardians. Adults can also access the support.
