LIMPOPO – Residents of Giyani are being urged to gamble responsibly and avoid using money intended for essential household needs as the Limpopo Gambling Board (LGB) prepares to launch Responsible Gambling Awareness Month in November.

The campaign, which will run throughout November, aims to educate communities about the dangers of excessive gambling, illegal betting and the importance of treating gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.

Campaign heads to Mopani

Giyani is among the towns in the Mopani District that will benefit from the awareness campaign, scheduled to take place from November 16-18. LGB representatives will also visit Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Namakgale, engaging with members of the public at licensed gambling establishments.

Warning against risky gambling

The board has expressed particular concern about vulnerable residents who use social grants, student funding and money intended for food, accommodation, transport, education and healthcare to gamble.

Residents who choose to gamble are encouraged to set strict spending and time limits, avoid borrowing money to place bets and never attempt to recover losses through further gambling. During the campaign, LGB representatives will conduct face-to-face engagements at licensed casinos, bookmakers, bingo establishments and other gambling venues.

The teams will educate residents about warning signs of problem gambling, available counselling services and the importance of reporting illegal gambling activities.

The board has also raised concerns about the rapid growth of online betting, warning residents to verify whether gambling platforms are legally licensed before depositing money.