KwaDukuza learners in KwaZulu Natal urged to take risks wisely to avoid gambling addiction.

Whilst underaged gambling is prohibited by law, the reality is that it has become attractive to children supplement their families’ incomes as financial hardship bites in many South African households.

Children and 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 – Taking Risks Wisely – is aimed at creating awareness among school-going learners of the dangers of illegal gambling. The initiative is being rolled out at schools in KwaDukuza from 24 – 27 February 2026.

Research has shown that the initiation into underage gambling often begins with card and dice games, which although illegal for children, are engaged in widely by adults in their community, thus normalising it.

“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.

She emphasised that the goal of the Taking Risks Wisely initiative is to ensure harm reduction and coping strategies. The programme also educates learners about alternative 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.

• The support and treatment options available for those affected by gambling addiction.

Through the National Responsible Gambling Programme, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation provides counselling services for minors affected by gambling, with parental or legal guardian consent.

“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 programme’s impact: “We look forward to running successful sessions across various provinces and working towards reducing the number of learners who fall victim to underage gambling behaviour.”

For free confidential help call the National Responsible Gambling Programme’s Toll Free Counselling Line 0800 006 008 or chat with our Counsellors on WhatsApp on 076 675 071.

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Media representatives are invited to cover this important initiative.

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Tshepang Mokoena | pr@tishalacommunications.com | 076 682 9608 Please see KZN roll-out schedule below: