BETS IN CLASS: Gambling regulators probe betting promotion at Pretoria preschool
A World Sports Betting-branded cash-prize promotion was filmed in a Pretoria preschool classroom, prompting questions about how the visit was approved and whether gambling marketing crossed a line.
Pretoria preschoolers witnessed a gambling promotion featuring World Sports Betting (WSB) branded equipment in a classroom, sparking outrage. Video footage showed a spinning wheel awarding cash prizes, with the children cheering for the teacher as she won R10,000. The promotion, part of WSB's "Bet to the Beat" campaign, involved influencer Chad Jones surprising entrants at their homes or workplaces.
Parents expressed shock and concern, with one stating the experience could "groom children to be gambling addicts." The National Gambling Board is investigating the incident, citing section 15(1)(b) of the National Gambling Act that prohibits promotions targeting those under 18 and regulation 3(1)(i) that restricts gambling ads in venues with mostly children.
WSB admitted to the inappropriate nature of the promotion and removed the content from social media. The production company, Alan Ford Productions, accepted responsibility for the oversight.
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