The South African Responsible Gaming Foundation (SARGF) highlights the alarming rise in gambling among young adults, which is driven by financial uncertainty and the allure of quick wealth.
Sibongile Simelane-Kuntana, CEO of SARGF, noted that individuals aged 25 to 34 are experiencing a particularly difficult period in life amid unemployment, financial hardship, and the rising cost of living. According to her, such circumstances can lead people to view gambling as a way to earn money quickly, cope with financial problems, or improve their situation, thereby increasing the risk of harmful gambling habits.
She warned that the promise of winning can prompt people to chase losses after losing. Simelane-Kuntana explained that since winnings and odds are not guaranteed, people eventually start trying to recoup lost funds, falling into a vicious cycle of borrowing and debt.
The Foundation has recorded a sharp increase in requests for help related to sports betting. According to Simelane-Kuntana's data, the number of calls to the sports betting helpline increased from 178 in the 2024/25 financial year to 1451 in 2025/26.
Although the number of people seeking support may seem small compared to the overall player population, she considers this figure worrying because it reflects those who have already recognized the need for help. She added that there is a large group of people who are not seeking help but may be vulnerable to problem gambling.
Simelane-Kuntana also emphasized the distinction between online gambling and online betting in South Africa. She stated: 'Online gambling in South Africa is illegal, but online betting is not. This is a clarity we need to establish.' She noted that online betting is often perceived as a potential source of extra income, especially among people under financial pressure.
The availability of betting apps and online platforms complicates control over harmful gambling. Simelane-Kuntana pointed out that 'gaming apps make betting available 24/7, facilitating frequent and impulsive gambling among young adults.' Furthermore, reduced effort and instant access make it difficult to realize how small bets can quickly turn into significant losses.
As online betting continues to grow, stronger prevention, education, and harm reduction measures are necessary. The Foundation calls for greater harmonization of player protection measures, including a national self-exclusion list, a well-established and integrated national cooling-off system, and compliance with player protection requirements under the National Gambling Act and its regulations.
Both organizations strongly advise consumers to separate gambling from essential household expenses. The Responsible Gaming Foundation also recommends that people create a fixed budget for gambling or entertainment only after covering all necessary expenditures. Among Simelane-Kuntana's recommendations is never borrowing money for gambling and keeping money intended for gambling separate from funds needed for the family.
Families are also advised to take action if gambling begins to affect finances or family relationships. Simelane-Kuntana advised: 'Families should worry when gambling leads to unpaid bills, loans, secrecy about money, chasing losses, or when gambling becomes a priority over family responsibilities.'
People should carefully monitor whether they maintain control over their gambling. The key question, in her opinion, is whether the person controls their gambling, or if the gambling starts controlling their finances, relationships, and daily life. The Foundation uses a simple question to assess behavior: 'Are you playing for an extra 50 rand or for the last?'
For those who have already faced losses or debts related to gambling, free and confidential counseling, treatment, and referral services are available, including support for affected family members. Simelane-Kuntana stressed: 'There is no shame in asking for help, and the harm from gambling is a treatable problem, not a personal failure.'