Whilst underage gambling is prohibited by law, the reality is that it has become attractive to children and sometimes serves as a means to supplement their families’ incomes as financial hardship takes hold in many South African households.

Adolescents also turn to gambling to cope with stress, peer pressure or to seek excitement and social acceptance among their friends.

The National Responsible Gambling Programme’s Taking Risks Wisely School Edition is aimed at creating awareness among school-going learners of the dangers of illegal gambling. The initiative rolled out in several schools in Kuruman during August.

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, and personality traits where some teenagers 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 Lebohang Seoheng, Advocacy, Communication and Prevention manager of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, the custodian of the National Responsible Gambling Programme.

Education and harm reduction

Seoheng emphasised the goal of the Taking Risks Wisely initiative, in partnership with the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board, is to ensure harm reduction and coping strategies.

The programme also educates learners about alternative forms of entertainment and ensures they understand legal restrictions around gambling for minors, risks and consequences associated with gambling at a young age, and support and treatment options available for those affected by gambling addiction.

Counselling services available

The programme offers psycho-educational and psychotherapeutic counselling services for minors affected by gambling, with parental or legal guardian consent. These services are available to 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,” Seoheng explains.

He expressed confidence in the Taking Risks Wisely School Edition’s impact.

• For free confidential help, call the National Responsible Gambling Programme’s Toll-Free Counselling Line 0800 006 008 or chat with counsellors on WhatsApp on 076 675 0710.