The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), working with the National Gambling Board (NGB) and the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), has launched the “Taking Risks Wisely” roadshow in KwaDukuza.
The campaign runs from February 24 to 27, 2026, and forms part of the SARGF Schools Roadshow 2026 initiative. Its main goal is to strengthen underage gambling prevention in South Africa through real-life data and youth engagement.
Unlike earlier awareness drives that relied mostly on warnings, the 2026 programme uses fresh statistics from SARGF’s annual reports. These figures show a worrying rise in young adults aged 18 to 25 seeking help for addictions that began with illegal minor betting.
According to SARGF research, underage gambling in South Africa often begins with informal community games such as Zwepe or dice. Many young people see these activities as harmless fun or games of skill rather than forms of gambling.
This perception creates what experts call a “normalization” problem. Once betting feels normal at a young age, the risk of moving into more serious gambling later in life increases sharply.
SARGF presentations during the roadshow also highlight how this local trend mirrors global online gambling patterns. International research shows that digital platforms often rely on cognitive biases, especially the well-known “Gambler’s Fallacy”, to keep users betting frequently.
The roadshow explains these psychological traps in simple terms. Learners are shown how early exposure to these thinking errors can lead to poor financial decisions and a higher risk of debt problems in adulthood.
One of the strongest features of the Taking Risks Wisely KwaDukuza campaign is the Peer Ambassador model. Selected learners are trained to become youth advocates who share real data with classmates.
The idea is simple: young people often listen more closely to their peers than to adults. By using relatable examples and local statistics, the programme hopes to discourage illegal underage gambling in South Africa at the school level.
For the first time, the roadshow is strongly promoting the SARGF Minor Intervention Programme. This free counselling service is designed specifically for minors who have already been exposed to gambling harm, whether at home or online. The programme offers the following:
Officials say early help is critical because many cases of problem gambling counseling for minors go unnoticed until serious harm occurs.
Another important step is the growing partnership between SARGF and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The NSFAS gambling awareness partnership aims to protect student funding from being lost to high-risk online sports betting. This move reflects rising concern that tech-savvy students are increasingly exposed to aggressive betting promotions once they gain access to financial aid.
The roadshow places a strong focus on the risks of underage betting online. Gen Z users are highly active on mobile devices, making them more vulnerable to targeted marketing and social media promotions. The SARGF teams are teaching learners how to:
Regionally, the programme is targeting schools such as Iziphozethu and Tshelenkosi in KwaDukuza. The aim is to build “gambling-free zones” in coastal and industrial areas considered higher risk for youth exposure.
The SARGF Schools Roadshow 2026 sends a clear message: responsible gambling begins with strong youth prevention. By combining real-life data, peer education, and early counselling pathways, South Africa is taking a more proactive stance against illegal underage gambling.
For parents, educators, and the wider industry, the campaign highlights the importance of early awareness. Preventing harm during the teenage years creates a safer and more sustainable gambling environment later in adulthood.
If the KwaDukuza pilot proves successful, the Taking Risks Wisely model could become a key national tool in protecting young South Africans from the growing risks of online and informal betting.
Disclaimer: All news published on Times Of Casino is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, investment, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, the online gambling industry evolves quickly, and information may change. Times Of Casino is not liable for any losses resulting from the use of this content. Readers are advised to verify information independently and consult professionals before taking action related to casinos, its affiliates, or gambling services.
Why Trust Times Of Casino: All products and services featured on this page have been independently reviewed and evaluated by our team of experts to provide you with accurate and reliable information. Learn how we rate.
See less
