North West Gambling Board engages Mahikeng youth on responsible gambling ahead of March 26 outreach

At a youth consultation in Mahikeng, NWGB warned about gambling-related harm, reminded participants that gambling is restricted to adults, and invited young people to join a public awareness outreach in Sannieshof later this month.

South Africa’s North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has taken its responsible gambling messaging to a youth consultation in Mahikeng, using the platform to warn about the risks of harmful gambling behaviour and to mobilise young people for a follow-up community outreach scheduled for 26 March.

The engagement formed part of the Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS) consultation hosted by the Office of the Premier (North West) in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The session was held on Saturday, 14 March, at Seasons Conference and Weddings in Mahikeng and brought together youth, government stakeholders and public entities to discuss youth participation in governance and development programmes.

According to the NWGB summary carried by Focus Gaming News Africa, the responsible gambling segment was discussed under the event’s physical and mental health pillar. NWGB officials highlighted how excessive gambling can trigger financial losses, stress and broader mental health challenges, and stressed that gambling should be viewed as regulated entertainment, not a way to earn income.

NWGB also used the meeting to invite participants to its next public responsible gambling outreach event, scheduled for 26 March in Sannieshof. The programme is expected to cover warning signs of problem gambling and outline support services available to people affected by gambling-related harm, with youth encouraged to share the information within their networks and act as “ambassadors” in their communities.

The approach signals a clear direction: the regulator is trying to reach young audiences through broader youth-development forums, then convert that engagement into community participation—strengthening prevention and awareness alongside enforcement.