Mpumalanga regulator raises gambling risk awareness among youth
The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) has expanded its Responsible Gambling and Responsible Liquor Awareness Campaign across Mpumalanga, strengthening efforts to educate young people about the risks of underage gambling, illegal betting and alcohol abuse through a coordinated school outreach programme.
Conducted in partnership with the Department of Education, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Miss Mpumalanga 2026, the campaign reached learners at LD Moetanala Secondary School, Ekwazini Secondary School and Mphanama Secondary School in Mhluzi, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. It also visited Swartklip Combined School and Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Victor Khanye Local Municipality, together with Matimba Secondary School, King Makhosonke II Secondary School, Ndzundza Mabhoko Secondary School, Ziphakhamiseni Secondary School, Vezikgono Secondary School and Vezubuhle Secondary School in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
According to MER, the initiative forms part of its ongoing Responsible Gambling and Responsible Liquor Awareness Campaign, which aims to educate learners about the risks of underage gambling and alcohol consumption, encourage responsible decision-making, and prevent underage participation in gambling through education and community engagement.
Underage gambling and illegal betting in focus
During the awareness sessions, learners were informed that gambling and alcohol consumption are prohibited for anyone under the age of 18 in South Africa. The programme also covered the risks associated with underage gambling, illegal gambling and online betting, together with their legal and social consequences.
The awareness sessions also examined how underage gambling, alcohol abuse and substance misuse can contribute to poor academic performance, addiction, mental health challenges, risky behaviour, violence, conflict with the law and long-term harm to future opportunities. Learners were encouraged to understand the broader impact these behaviours can have on their education, health and personal development.
MER said the programme aims to equip young people with the knowledge to resist peer pressure, make responsible decisions and seek support from parents, teachers or counselling services whenever they face challenges.
Promoting healthy choices beyond gambling
Alongside responsible gambling education, the campaign addressed the wider effects of underage drinking and substance abuse. Learners were informed that alcohol consumption during adolescence can impair judgement, affect brain development, increase risky behaviour, contribute to poor academic performance and raise the risk of violence, road accidents and alcohol dependency later in life.
Officials encouraged learners to prioritise their education, build healthy friendships, choose positive influences and avoid activities that could jeopardise their future opportunities. They emphasised that responsible decision-making during adolescence plays an important role in achieving personal and academic success.
The programme also encouraged learners to embrace healthy lifestyles and become positive role models and ambassadors for positive change within their schools and communities.
Educators reminded of their safeguarding role
As part of the campaign, educators were reminded of their role in protecting learners from exposure to gambling. Teachers were advised not to ask learners to purchase gambling vouchers on their behalf or expose them to gambling-related products and activities intended for adults.
MER said prevention through education remains central to reducing gambling-related harm and ensuring responsible gambling messages are reinforced both inside and outside the classroom.
SAPS expands discussions to learner safety
While the core training remained consistent across all schools, some sessions incorporated additional guidance from SAPS on issues affecting learner safety.
At schools in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, learners received advice on recognising situations that could expose them to exploitation, abuse and gender based violence. SAPS encouraged learners, particularly young women, to avoid relationships with older men, refrain from consuming alcohol while underage and stay away from risky situations that could lead to abuse, violence or conflict with the law.
Learners were also encouraged to report abuse or criminal activity to trusted adults or the relevant authorities. Sessions at Ziphakhamiseni Secondary School and Vezikgono Secondary School included additional information on the dangers of underage online gambling and explained that gambling by minors can have legal, financial, academic and social consequences.
Campaign concludes July outreach
The July awareness programme concluded at Vezubuhle Secondary School after a week of school engagements across Mpumalanga.
During the final session, learners received information on the dangers of underage online gambling, illegal gambling, alcohol abuse and peer pressure. They were encouraged to make responsible choices, protect their future and understand the legal and social consequences of underage gambling and drinking. Educators were once again reminded of the importance of leading by example by ensuring learners are not exposed to gambling products.
According to MER, taking responsible gambling awareness directly into schools remains a key part of its strategy to strengthen prevention through education. Working alongside the Department of Education, SARGF, SAPS and Miss Mpumalanga 2026, the regulator said it continues to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and life skills needed to make responsible choices while supporting broader efforts to reduce gambling-related harm and build safer school communities across Mpumalanga.
Big opportunities attract big decision-makers. From 15–17 February 2027, SiGMA Africa brings together 2,700 delegates, 700 operators, and key industry stakeholders in Cape Town. This is your moment!
