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THE TAKING RISKS WISELY PROGRAMME

UNDERAGE GAMBLING IS ILLEGAL IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Taking Risks Wisely Programme is an educational initiative designed to inform school-aged learners and vulnerable groups about the dangers of illegal underage gambling in South Africa. Although gambling is prohibited for individuals under the age of 18, many young people are still exposed to and participate in gambling activities, particularly through informal games and online platforms. The initiative helps learners understand how they may first encounter gambling through activities such as coin-based games like Zwepe, dice, card games, or betting on everyday games like Ludo. It also explores the various social and environmental factors that contribute to underage gambling, including peer pressure, exposure to gambling culture, and the normalisation of risky behaviour. Through this programme, learners are equipped with knowledge about the legal restrictions on gambling, the risks associated with it at a young age, and the support systems available for those who may be affected.
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STUDENT RESOURCES

Discover the Taking Risks Wisely comic book — an engaging and relatable resource designed to help learners explore real-life situations involving choices, consequences and decision-making. Through stories and characters that reflect challenges young people may encounter, the comic encourages critical thinking, confidence and responsible choices in a way that is both enjoyable and easy to understand.

 

Download your copy and start exploring how making informed decisions today can help shape a stronger tomorrow.

View Comic

Responsible Gambling
Training For Educators

Learners are particularly vulnerable to the normalisation of gambling through exposure to messaging. Children are at risk of problems with gambling because of developmental and cognitive immaturity, as well as a susceptibility to family and peer influences and marketing campaigns. As a result, the Responsible Gambling for Educators course was developed.

 

This training allows an educator to recognise learners who may be gambling themselves or who live within a gambling-disordered family or caregiver dynamic.

 

Short- and long-term consequences upon a learner who is affected are elaborated upon, and examples of how an Educator may be able to incorporate the theme of responsible gambling into various learning subjects are provided. Referrals and how to process these are explained.

 

Recognition of the value of the training has been acknowledged by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), with 10 Continued Professional Development Points awarded to Educators who attend the virtual or on-site training. To provide a holistic integration
Training Request Form

The goal of Taking Risks Wisely is to ensure that learners develop a clear understanding of responsible decision-making, particularly in relation to gambling. This includes awareness of legal boundaries, potential dangers and available support systems:

THE GOAL OF TAKING RISKS WISELY PROGRAMME

Understanding legal restrictions

  • To ensure that learners understand the legal restrictions on gambling for minors, including age limits and the consequences of underage gambling.

 Don’t chase losses

  • To enable learners to recognise and explain the risks and consequences associated with gambling at a young age, including financial, emotional, and social impacts.

 Awareness of support and treatment options

  • To ensure that learners are aware of the support and treatment options available for individuals affected by gambling addiction, including where and how to seek help.

WHY IT MATTERS

Taking Risks Wisely is important because underage gambling is illegal and harmful to young people’s well-being. Early exposure can lead to addiction and negatively affect finances, mental health and school performance. By providing accurate information and access to support, the initiative helps learners make responsible choices and prevents long-term harm.