South Africa Launches National Campaign targeting Youth Gambling Prevention

South Africa’s National Task Team (NTT) has launched the Risk to Responsibility Campaign, a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on tackling gambling-related risks among students and young people.

The campaign will centre on financial wellness education, responsible behaviour and prevention-led engagement, aiming to give young people the knowledge and tools to make more informed decisions around gambling.

The initiative comes amid concerns over youth vulnerability, the misuse of student financial aid to fund gambling and growing exposure to illegal gambling platforms and harmful online environments.

The NTT said these issues can have wider consequences for young people, potentially affecting their financial wellbeing, academic performance, mental health and future opportunities.

Through education, community outreach, media advocacy and youth-focused programmes, the campaign will promote financial awareness, responsible decision-making and healthier behaviours among students and young people across South Africa.

National Task Team Brings Stakeholders Together

The National Task Team brings together organisations from the gambling, education, research and public sectors as part of a coordinated national approach to youth safeguarding and prevention.

Members include the African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA), National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), National Gambling Board (NGB), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Liquor Board Authorities, Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), Higher Health, South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA) and the South African Union of Students (SAUS).

The NTT said the campaign recognises the growing intersection between gambling, alcohol consumption, impulsive behaviours and youth vulnerability across social and digital environments.

With online gambling becoming increasingly accessible, the task team said young people are facing greater exposure to illegal platforms and other potentially harmful environments.

The campaign will therefore focus on responsible behaviour education and awareness, encouraging young people to make informed choices and take greater accountability for their actions.

The National Gambling Board and NTT described the initiative as a national effort to protect and empower young people, with financial wellness, responsible behaviour and prevention at its core.

Its central message calls for a move “from Risk to Responsibility”.

Future Leaders Forum to Engage Students

A key element of the campaign will be the Future Leaders Responsible Gambling Forum, a national student leadership platform bringing together nominated representatives from universities across South Africa.

The forum aims to equip student representatives to become advocates for financial wellness, responsible behaviour and youth safeguarding within their institutions and wider communities.

Activities will include leadership engagement, advocacy initiatives, educational campaigns, industry mentorship, peer-to-peer awareness programmes and community outreach.

It will also provide a platform for national discussions around youth safeguarding and responsible behavioural awareness.

The NTT said the initiative is designed to encourage long-term behavioural change by positioning young people as active leaders who can help create safer and more responsible communities.

Online Gambling Under Greater Scrutiny

The campaign comes as South Africa’s growing online gambling sector faces increased scrutiny over regulation and potential social impacts.

National Treasury has proposed a national 20% tax on gross gambling revenue from online gambling, including interactive gambling, alongside existing provincial taxes.

The proposal remains under consideration and has not yet become law. Public consultation closed on 27 February 2026, with Treasury expected to hold a stakeholder workshop before the proposal progresses into draft legislation for further public comment.

Industry representatives have warned that increased taxation on licensed operators could potentially push some consumers towards illegal offshore gambling platforms.

Campaign Targets Long-Term Youth Engagement

The NTT said the Risk to Responsibility Campaign represents a shared commitment to protecting the wellbeing, future and opportunities of young people across South Africa.

The initiative brings together government institutions, industry stakeholders, educational organisations, advocacy groups and strategic partners around youth safeguarding, public education, responsible behaviour and prevention.

The NTT also acknowledged guidance from the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition during the development of the campaign.

Through continued education and engagement, the campaign aims to establish a longer-term approach to responsible behaviour and youth safeguarding across South Africa.