North West Gambling Board warns Marikana High School learners about underage and illegal gambling risks

The NWGB held an awareness session at Marikana High School as part of its community education drive, telling learners that gambling is legally restricted to adults and highlighting how illegal gambling in local communities can expose minors to addiction, debt and criminal activity.

South Africa’s North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has conducted a learner awareness session at Marikana High School, cautioning pupils about the dangers of underage gambling and the growth of illegal gambling activity in surrounding communities. The outreach formed part of the board’s wider effort to take responsible gambling messaging directly into schools and youth spaces.

According to reporting on the session, NWGB officials stressed that gambling is restricted to people aged 18 and above in regulated environments, and that illegal operators often target young people through informal local channels—making it easier for minors to access betting and unlicensed games. The board linked early exposure to higher risks of harm, including addiction-like behaviour, financial stress, depression and vulnerability to crime.

The board’s messaging also focused on the difference between licensed, regulated gambling and illegal gambling. Officials warned that illegal gambling offers no consumer protection, no safeguards for minors, and can be connected to wider community problems—while also undermining legal operators and public revenue.

By taking the campaign to Marikana High School, NWGB is signalling that enforcement alone is not enough: prevention requires education—especially in areas where illegal gambling machines and informal betting are reported to be visible and accessible. The success of the approach will depend on whether awareness sessions are paired with sustained community action against illegal outlets that enable youth participation.