World Sports Betting has withdrawn from its Bet to the Beat campaign and apologised after a promotional video filmed at Cornwall Hill Preschool in Pretoria prompted public criticism.
The footage featured influencer Chad Jones and a teacher spinning a prize wheel while pupils cheered. The teacher, who reportedly held an active betting account, won R14,000 ($855).
Critics questioned the gambling-themed presentation and the exposure of young children to betting-related promotional material.
World Sports Betting said an independent production company running the campaign had filmed the episode and that it had not known the location beforehand. Nevertheless, the operator accepted responsibility for content carrying its branding.
“Gambling marketing has no place in classrooms,” the company said, adding that the episode should never have happened.
The operator said it had withdrawn from the campaign immediately, arranged for the content to be removed from social media and redirected unspent prize funds towards responsible gambling awareness.
It also said it was strengthening its supplier code of conduct to prevent a recurrence.
Preschool principal Janine Dumas-Kuchling said the visit followed a staff member winning a radio competition. According to the school’s account, the visiting company didn't disclose its gambling association.
Rector Greg Theron and the school leadership issued an unreserved apology to parents for exposing pupils to promotional material linked to a gambling brand.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union also criticised the use of school premises, teachers and pupils to market commercial products.
In related news, South Africa’s gambling sector has recently faced scrutiny across licensing, governance and enforcement. The Pretoria High Court set aside Sizekhaya’s National Lottery licence award while suspending its order for 12 months to protect operations.
Additionally, Gauteng’s gambling regulator underwent leadership changes following a forensic investigation, while the South African Bookmakers Association has called for stronger legal tools against illegal offshore operators.
The reported R14,000 prize went to the teacher
