MGB educates the public about illegal gambling
They sparked debate and curiosity among the audience, asking and answering questions posed to them.
Mpumalanga Gambling Board’s (MGB) journey to educate and inform communities of the province on illegal gambling and how to help those addicted to gambling began in Amersfoort last week.
Mpumalanga Gambling Board’s continued legacy of hosting awareness campaigns throughout the Province took place in Gert Sibande in the areas of Vukuzakhe, Siyazenzela, Sivukile, and Sakhile recently.
“Our aim with this campaign is to firstly, alert people about the increasing numbers of people who become addicted to gambling, educate them on how to help such people and give them the necessary tools and inform them on the role the board plays in the province, which is regulating gambling in the province,” said Mr Abe Kgotle, an inspector at MGB.
Ms Judith Khoza, Corporate Relations Manager said, “We have prepared fun educational sessions to take place in four community halls namely Vukuzakhe (Volksrust), Siyazenzela (Perdekop), Sivukile (Morgenzon), and Sakhile (Standerton). These campaigns are a continuation of the school campaigns held since 2009. On-going plans are underway for more campaigns throughout the province.
The second day of the awareness campaign took place at the Perdekop Community Hall with an impressive attendance of residents who were participants in the information shared or given to them by the MGB.
The session was planned to be an interactive one by Khoza and she was assisted by Miss Mpumalanga, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, Ms Mobe Kgatla and Mr Abe Kgotle.
They sparked debate and curiosity among the audience, asking and answering questions posed to them.
Members of the communities were also alerted about the, National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), which is funded by the gambling industry to promote responsible awareness and provide counselling to those affected by gambling problems.
The counselling provided by the NRGP is done in a discreet manner and depends on how long the person needs treatment. These services are offered free of charge to the public.
Kgotle spoke at length regarding prohibited gambling and the dangers thereof, activities such as cards and dice for prizes, Internet gambling, animal racing or fighting, and Chinese roulette.
“All of these are not licensed and neither registered as places of gambling. Those found partaking in such activities, will be arrested and jailed. The MGB works in conjunction with SAPS to ensure that prohibited gambling is eradicated in the province. The MGB has a team of dedicated investigators who through advanced surveillance systems collect evidence and hand over to SAPS for the arrests to take place” said Mr. Kgotle.
If you would like to be counselled on problem gambling you can call the NRGP on 0800 006 008 and to report illegal gambling activities, you may call the Mpumalanga Gambling Board “MGB” on 013 750 8000. For more information about the MGB, you may access their website – www.mgb.org.za or their facebook page on http:/www.facebook.com/responsiblegambling.
