South Africa’s North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has stepped up its responsible gambling awareness campaign through its participation in Phase 6 of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Matlwang Village, within the JB Marks Local Municipality. The initiative combined public education, regulatory inspections and access to support services as part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance and protect communities from illegal gambling and gambling related harm.
Responsible gambling takes centre stage
During the programme, NWGB officials engaged directly with residents to provide information on responsible gambling and the legal gambling framework in South Africa. The campaign focused on helping community members understand the risks linked to illegal gambling and reinforcing the legal age requirement for gambling.
Officials also highlighted the importance of preventing underage gambling. Residents received guidance on recognising unlawful gambling activities and were encouraged to participate only in licensed gambling environments. The Board also shared information about its regulatory role, including licensing, compliance monitoring and consumer protection services.
The outreach formed part of the NWGB’s wider public education programme, which aims to improve awareness of gambling laws while promoting informed decision making among players and the broader community.
Compliance inspections target illegal activity
Alongside its education campaign, the NWGB deployed its Law Enforcement Unit to conduct compliance inspections at gambling venues and other business premises operating in the area.
The inspections were carried out to monitor compliance with gambling legislation and identify any unlawful gambling activities. Enforcement teams assessed whether operators were meeting regulatory requirements and whether businesses were operating within the law.
The Board regularly combines community outreach with compliance operations as part of its regulatory strategy. This approach supports enforcement while also providing residents with information about legal gambling and consumer protection.
The NWGB has continued similar enforcement activities across the province in recent months as part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance and address illegal gambling operations.
Support services promoted
The Board also used the event to raise awareness of free treatment and counselling services available through the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF).
Officials encouraged individuals experiencing gambling related challenges, as well as affected family members, to seek professional support through the organisation’s national helpline. The Board said access to counselling forms an important part of responsible gambling initiatives by ensuring that people who need assistance know where to find it.
Public awareness campaigns increasingly include information on prevention, early intervention and support services alongside regulatory messaging.
Part of a wider community programme
The Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme brings government departments and public entities together to deliver services directly to communities. By participating in the programme, the NWGB was able to combine responsible gambling education with regulatory oversight and direct engagement with residents.
The Board has made community outreach a regular feature of its work during 2026. Earlier this year, it conducted underage gambling awareness campaigns in schools and communities ahead of the Thuntsha Lerole programme, with a continued focus on educating young people, parents and educators about the risks associated with illegal and underage gambling.
Through its latest participation in Matlwang Village, the NWGB continued its programme of public education, compliance monitoring and access to support services as part of its mandate to regulate gambling activities across the North West province.
Cape Town calls. From 15–17 February 2027, SiGMA Africa unites regulators, operators, affiliates and investors for two days of networking, innovation and industry-defining conversations. Join the people shaping Africa’s gaming future.
