In the quest to keep head above water, South Africans have been forced to review and cut down their expenses in order to meet their financial obligations.
Given the ongoing economic challenges, some have turned to gambling as a means of making ends meet.
The month of July in South Africa is not only dedicated to the birthday of former President Nelson Mandela but also marks National Savings Month, which raises awareness about the importance of saving as well as fostering responsible financial behaviour.
Mindful of the hardships facing communities, government said it recognises that the current economic challenges, including the high cost of living and unemployment make it difficult for many South Africans to save their hard-earned money.
It has, however, called on citizens to save even the smallest amounts of money, as government continues to implement policies that are aimed at growing an economy that creates jobs and supports families that are better positioned to save and invest in their futures.
Recently, Parliament’s National Assembly deliberated the National Gambling Amendment Bill. The bill aims to amend the 2004 National Gambling Act (NGA) so as to amend and delete certain definitions; to transfer the regulation of bets on the national lottery, foreign lottery, lottery results and sports pools to the National Lotteries Commission.
It also aims to strengthen the regulation of casinos, limited pay-out machines (LPMS) and bingo, as well as to provide for the repositioning of the National Gambling Board (NGB) as a National Gambling Regulator, and to provide for certain new offences, among others.
With competing priorities vying for attention, gambling is seen by some as a way to close the shortfall in one’s budget.
In an interview with SAnews, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation said it has seen a rise in the number of individuals who are struggling with gambling.
“From our referral statistics of the previous financial year, there has been a rise in the number of individuals who are struggling with gambling as compared to other financial years,” the foundation’s Executive Director, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, said.
In the 2022/23 financial year, the foundation referred 2 253 patients for gambling related counselling, while 2 648 patients were referred in the 2023/24 financial year.
“It should be noted that these stats exclude family referral patients. In the 2024/25 financial year, the foundation referred a total of 4 126 patients for gambling related counselling, excluding family referrals,” said Simelane-Quntana.
The foundation provides free and confidential treatment and counselling to those affected by problem gambling and their immediate family members. The foundation also educates South Africans about the potential harmful effect of problem gambling and responsible gambling.
The data showed that more males were referred for help as compared to females.
“There were more adults referred than any other age group and most of the patients referred were full-time employed. Moreover, most of these patients held a matric as their highest level of education,” Simelane-Quntana explained.
This as the NGB, which is responsible for the oversight of the regulation of the gambling industry throughout the country, warned against gambling being “defined as a source of income or to make ends meet”.
Through the NGA, the NGB is empowered to provide oversight over licensing and monitoring of licensees by provincial licensing authorities.
South Africa has four legal modes of gambling, namely casinos, LPMS, bingo and betting.
The board, which is an entity of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said the unrealistic appeal of quick money through gambling for those experiencing financial problems can be dire.
It added that “often consumers will go into further debt by borrowing money to feed a gambling habit, with the aim of making their money grow”.
Simelane-Quntana said that issues like the unemployment rate rising by 1% to reach 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, inflation and inequality, are making it difficult for many.
“These statistics indicate the hardships that most South African citizens go through and the desperation to make a living out of various methods, and gambling seems to be one of those measures. Many individuals who are referred to the Foundation gamble to make an extra income; for some who are unemployed, gambling is a way of making money,” she explained.
Problematic gambling
The foundation (which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the prevention and treatment of disordered gambling) said based on its referral statistics for the previous financial year, individuals who are unemployed were the second highest group to be referred.
“This is concerning, as we see a surge of problematic gambling in South Africa, which results in an increase in social and psychological health issues in our country,” said the Executive Director.
Signs of problematic gambling include preoccupation with gambling thoughts, chasing after your losses on gambling and being unable to stop gambling even after many attempts to do so.
Other signs are borrowing money to cover up for debts caused by gambling, gambling when feeling distressed and lying about gambling or one’s whereabouts regarding gambling, among others.
Help
Simelane-Quntana urged the public to seek assistance if they experience symptoms of problem gambling.
“The foundation offers free and comprehensive counselling and treatment for those affected by problematic gambling,” she said.
The foundation, which is funded by licensed gambling operators (excluding the National Lottery), also undertakes special projects at the request of provincial gambling boards.
Licensed gambling operators also support the foundation’s National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), including awareness interventions through their own communication campaigns.
The programme provides three services namely: prevention through education and public awareness campaign, treatment and counselling as well as research, monitoring and evaluation.
The dtic, NGB and the Gauteng Gambling Board are among the partners of the foundation which assists those who need help on their confidential helpline, number 0800 006 008. The service is free of charge and available 24/7.
Asked on whether there has been increased marketing of gambling, the Executive Director said this was the case.
“There has been a rise in marketing and promotion of gambling activities in South Africa. This is also reflected by the R2.6 billion spent on gambling advertising, as reported for up to March 2025 in the news recently. Furthermore, the R1.1 trillion wagered into gambling as stipulated by the National Gambling Board for [the] financial year 2023/2024 implies the reality of South African’s being more attracted to gambling activities.
“Through our Taking Risks Wisely schools awareness programme, which is aimed at educating learners about the dangers of underage illegal gambling, we have noted field observation insights regarding children normalising gambling activities and actually partaking in them.
"This is not in isolation from the exposure at home and the media; however, it is also due to the illegal forms readily available at our spaza shops in communities known as Chinese Roulette Machines/Mochina, where they slot in R2 to play,” she said.
Live within your means
The foundation further called on the public to live within their means.
“It is important to live within your means, draw a budget and understand that if life changes happen, such as losing a job, getting retrenched or getting a salary cut, it is important to adjust to the changes and ensure that your expenses are not more than your income.
“Gambling cannot be a solution to one’s financial crisis and borrowing more money to cover other debts keeps you in the debt trap or circle, “said Simelane-Quntana.
With Savings Month coming to an end this week, it is never too late to take back one's power and get help. - SAnews.gov.za
