The level of gambling addiction in South Africa has reached alarming levels, as growing debt and mental health issues push some people toward suicidal thoughts.
The South African Responsible Gaming Foundation (SARGF), which promotes a responsible approach to gambling and supports those harmed by gaming, reported that some individuals spend their money to complete ruin on payday while trying to repay debts incurred due to this habit.
According to the foundation's latest report, 1345 people experienced high levels of distress and considered death due to their circumstances, while over 1300 sought help after severe stress caused by gambling.
SARGF CEO Sibongile Simelane-Kuntana noted that some people only seek help after reaching a critical point. She stated that sometimes they are brought in by relatives because they previously attempted suicide, and it was discovered that gambling was the cause.
The report also indicates that some people develop an unhealthy attachment to gambling even after winning money, convincing themselves that another big win will change their lives. This belief can worsen financial difficulties, forcing them to take loans, including from loan sharks, to continue playing in hopes of new success.
Simelane-Kuntana emphasized that excessive gambling often correlates with alcohol and drug abuse. She explained that there is a close link between gambling, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use: when people fall into financial difficulty, they may consume alcohol or buy drugs to alleviate the pain of what is happening.
Furthermore, shame and fear of judgment often prevented people from seeking support. Many hid their gambling habits from spouses and families, resorting to lies to conceal the scale of the problem, resulting in many suffering in silence until their situation became unbearable.
Gambling addiction is not limited to working adults; university students also suffer from this problem, which is exacerbated by the increasing use of mobile technology, making games easily accessible.
During his half-yearly budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stated that the government is considering introducing an additional tax on mobile gambling as part of efforts to address the high level of gambling in the country. The proposed measure aims to reduce the accessibility of mobile gambling.
Individuals facing gambling-related problems can seek support from the following organizations: The South African Responsible Gaming Foundation/National Responsible Gaming Program at 0800 006 008, where support is available in multiple languages. Help is also provided through Gamblers Anonymous South Africa: 083 783 5717 in KwaZulu-Natal and 060 624 7140 in Gauteng.