Kanana's Bold Campaign Fights Underage Gambling in Schools

Africa's youth face growing gambling dangers—but this campaign is arming them with knowledge. How schools and regulators are teaming up to protect teens.

, and Administrator

2026 March 25 . 4:01 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of children playing a game of pegs in a room with a wall, pillars, trees,... — The image shows a group of children playing a game of pegs in a room with a wall, pillars, trees, and a sky with clouds in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text that reads "Boys Playing at Peg Top".

Kanana's Bold Campaign Fights Underage Gambling in Schools

A week-long Underage Gambling Awareness Campaign has just wrapped up in Kanana. The initiative, led by the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) and the National Gambling Board (NGB), targeted local schools to tackle a rising issue. Officials say mobile technology and informal betting markets have made underage gambling a growing concern in African communities. The campaign reached 47 schools across Kanana, engaging learners through interactive sessions and open discussions. Students learned about the risks, legal consequences, and social impacts of underage gambling. Organisers also highlighted support services, such as the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, for those needing help.

Rather than just warning against gambling, the initiative focused on empowering young people. Workshops encouraged responsible decision-making and informed choices. Regulators like the NWGB and NGB are now expanding educational outreach and community engagement to address the problem more widely.

The campaign concluded after a week of school visits and discussions. Learners in Kanana now have clearer information about the dangers of underage gambling. Officials plan to continue similar efforts in other regions to curb the issue.