MGB warns children about the dangers of gambling

Gambling is a dangerous activity that can easily turn into an addiction, and the Mpumalanga Gambling Board (MGB) is not taking this lightly.

Together with the Provincial Department of Social Development, the board visited the SOS Children’s Village in KaMagugu to raise awareness on the hazards surrounding underage gambling and substance abuse.

The invite to the team was spearheaded by potential signs of gambling among some of the teenagers noticed by SOS management.

“The circumstance and the vulnerability of these children led us to invite the MGB and other government entities to assist us to nurture them and also ensure that they become responsible adults who do not gamble,” said Thulani Mbatha, centre manager.

Miss Mpumalanga 2014, Natasha Dos Santos and gambling inspector, Zoe Mlilo, dissuaded the audience from engaging in betting on games of chance.

“Gambling is a regulated industry meant for adults who should participate with care and responsibility, and only at licenced venues. Any other gambling activity outside a licenced venue or performed by persons under 18, constitutes a crime,” said Mlilo.

The afternoon was concluded with a motivational talk by Miss Mpumalanga. She reminded the children to set their priorities straight and stick to them, referring to education.

“Young people must refrain from getting involved in bad habits like drugs and illegal gambling activities, which will destroy their future or lead to a criminal record at a young age,” warned Dos Santos.