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The Eastern Cape Gambling Board (ECGB) recently hosted an educational event at Walter Sisulu University’s Buffalo City campus to engage students on the importance of responsible gambling and raise awareness about the risks of addiction in the digital age.
The event comes as a timely reminder of the dangers of gambling addiction, as a recent case in the Gqeberha Specialized Commercial Crimes Court highlighted. Liesel Badenhorst, a 44-year-old accountant, was found guilty of fraud after stealing $17 million from trust accounts to fuel her gambling addiction.
The ECGB is concerned about the growing problem of gambling addiction, particularly among young people, and aims to increase awareness and promote responsible gaming practices. According to Pumeza George, a board spokeswoman, the program’s goal is to teach students how to behave responsibly in all aspects of life, including gambling, to help them grow into responsible members of society.
The event was well-received by students, with leader Mokgweetsi Keikabile thanking the Board for the initiative and suggesting that it be continued and made available online to reach a wider audience. The awareness campaign will continue at the Komani Campus in Masibulele starting on Friday.
The ECGB’s efforts to raise awareness about gambling addiction are crucial in today’s digital age, where online gambling can be easily accessed. By educating young people about the risks of addiction and promoting responsible gaming practices, the Board hopes to prevent cases like Badenhorst’s from happening in the future.
