Preventing Youth Gambling Addiction: What Schools and Parents Can Do

In South Africa, gambling has become easier to access than ever before, especially for young people. Thanks to smartphones, online casinos, and aggressive marketing on sports betting platforms, adolescents are now more exposed to gambling than any generation before them. As a result, preventing youth gambling addiction has become a national priority. Schools and parents must act as the first line of defence to protect children and teenagers from the long-term harm gambling can cause.

According to the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), an increasing number of young people are gambling regularly, often without understanding the risks. Many of them are lured in by social media, online games with betting features, and sports betting promotions. While gambling may seem like a harmless activity to some, research shows it can lead to serious financial, emotional, and academic problems, especially when it starts young.

ALSO READ: Top Helplines and Support Groups for Gambling Addiction in South Africa

Why Youth Are Especially Vulnerable

Young people are still developing the parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and understanding long-term consequences. This makes them more susceptible to addiction, including gambling-related problems.

A 2024 report by the Daily Maverick revealed that nearly 39% of youth gamblers in South Africa engage in online gambling up to 11 times per month. Many of these teenagers are introduced to betting through sports and e-sports, where gambling is glamorised and made to look effortless.

Gambling may also serve as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, peer pressure, or economic hardship—particularly in underserved communities. What may start as a small bet among friends or on a soccer match can quickly spiral into a habit with life-altering consequences.

What Schools Can Do to Prevent Youth Gambling Addiction

1. Introduce Gambling Education in the Curriculum

Just like drug abuse or cyberbullying, gambling addiction should be part of school life skills or life orientation lessons. Lessons should focus on explaining how gambling works, the odds of losing, how addiction develops, and the financial and emotional risks associated with betting.

Incorporating real-life case studies or testimonials can help students understand the impact. These educational efforts should start in early high school to reach students before they are exposed to gambling opportunities.

2. Train Teachers and School Counsellors

Teachers are in a unique position to spot early signs of gambling-related problems. A sudden decline in academic performance, obsession with sports scores, or frequent borrowing of money could be indicators. Schools can work with organisations like SARGF and GamHelp to provide professional training for educators and school counsellors.

By identifying risky behaviour early, schools can intervene before gambling habits become severe.

3. Collaborate with Gambling Prevention Partners

Schools can invite guest speakers from the National Gambling Board (NGB), SARGF, or other mental health organisations to lead workshops and awareness campaigns. These organisations often offer age-appropriate resources and toolkits for schools, including brochures, videos, and referral systems for help.

4. Create a Positive and Safe School Environment

Offering students alternatives to gambling is essential. After-school programs, leadership clubs, sports, and creative arts activities can reduce boredom and encourage healthy risk-taking and decision-making. When students are connected and engaged, they’re less likely to seek out gambling for excitement or social approval.

How Parents Can Help Prevent Youth Gambling Addiction

1. Talk Openly About Gambling

Honest conversations at home can go a long way. Explain that gambling is not a reliable way to make money and is designed to benefit the house, not the player. Use age-appropriate language to explain why gambling can be harmful and how addiction can take hold.

SARGF recommends discussing the warning signs of addiction and being open to answering questions. Children and teens are more likely to listen when conversations are approached with trust rather than punishment.

2. Monitor Digital Access and Spending

With gambling available at the click of a button, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s online activity. Parental control apps and content filters can block access to gambling websites and apps. Also, keep an eye on bank accounts, credit cards, and mobile wallets for suspicious transactions.

3. Set an Example

Children watch their parents closely. If you gamble, demonstrate responsible behaviour, set spending limits, never chase losses, and avoid talking about big wins as though they’re common. Your actions send strong messages about what is and isn’t acceptable.

4. Look for Red Flags

Watch out for mood swings, isolation, sudden interest in betting odds, missing belongings, or frequent borrowing of money. These could be signs that gambling has already become a problem.

If you’re concerned, reach out to professionals. The National Responsible Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 0800 006 008.

5. Encourage Healthy Hobbies

Sports, volunteering, gaming (without monetary elements), and music are great outlets for energy and stress. Keeping young people busy with productive hobbies reduces the chance they’ll be tempted to gamble out of boredom or peer influence.

Role of Government and Communities

The Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) and the National Gambling Board have invested in community education, regulatory frameworks, and advertising restrictions. However, enforcement of online gambling regulations, especially for underage users, remains a challenge.

Communities, including libraries, churches, and youth centres, should be empowered to host awareness days, mentorship programs, and educational events. Local support strengthens what schools and parents are doing and ensures youth hear consistent messages from multiple sources.

Building a Safer Future

Preventing youth gambling addiction is not a one-time conversation; it requires ongoing efforts from schools, families, and communities. By staying informed, maintaining open lines of communication, and offering positive alternatives, we can reduce the risk of young people developing harmful gambling habits.

If South Africans come together to prioritise education, awareness, and early intervention, today’s youth will be better equipped to make responsible choices in a world full of risky distractions.

READ MORE: Recognizing the Signs of Gambling Addiction