Illegal Gambling Targeted by South Africa New School Program

Whilst underage gambling is prohibited by law, the reality is that it has become attractive to children and at times serves as a means to supplement their families’ incomes as financial hardship bites many South African families. Aimed at creating awareness among school-going learners of the dangers of illegal gambling, the initiative is being rolled out at schools in Pumalanga from 11 to 15 May 2026.

Research identified several factors that may contribute to early gambling exposure or initiation such as social influence, the need to impress and belong, easy access to gambling platforms and advertising, personality traits where some teens may be prone to risk taking and sensation seeking.

“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,” says Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation, the custodian of the National Responsible Gambling Programme.

She emphasised that the goal of the Taking Risks Wisely initiative, in partnership with the Hollywood Foundation and the Pumalanga Economic Regulator, is to ensure harm reduction and coping strategies. The programme also educates learners about alternatives forms of entertainment and ensures they understand:

The legal restrictions around gambling for minors
The risks and consequences associated with gambling at a young age; and
The support and treatment options available for those affected by gambling addiction.

The National Responsible Gambling Programme offers psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic counselling services for minors affected by gambling, with parental or legal guardian consent. These services are available adults as well.

“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,” Simelane-Quntana explains.

She concluded by expressing confidence in the Taking Risks Wisely School Edition’s impact: “We look forward to running successful sessions in various municipal areas in Mpumalanga and working towards reducing the number of learners who fall victim to underage gambling behaviour.”

Media representatives are invited to cover this important initiative. The schools being covered include:

Nkomazi Local Municipality