Johannesburg: In the quest to keep their heads 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, 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, the government recognizes 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.
The government has called on citizens to save even the smallest amounts of money, as it continues to implement policies 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 seeks to amend the 2004 National Gambling Act (NGA) to modify certain definitions, transfer the regulation of bets on various lotteries and sports pools to the National Lotteries Commission, and strengthen the regulation of casinos, limited pay-out machines (LPMS), and bingo.
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 reported a rise in the number of individuals 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 counseling, 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 counseling, excluding family referrals,’ said Simelane-Quntana.
The foundation provides free and confidential treatment and counseling to those affected by problem gambling and their immediate family members. The foundation also educates South Africans about the potential harmful effects of problem gambling and responsible gambling. The data showed that more males were referred for help compared to females, with adults being the most referred age group, and most patients holding a matric as their highest level of education.
The National Gambling Board (NGB), responsible for the oversight of the gambling industry regulation, warned against gambling being seen as a source of income. South Africa has four legal modes of gambling: casinos, LPMS, bingo, and betting. The board, an entity of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, cautioned that the unrealistic appeal of quick money through gambling for those experiencing financial problems can be harmful.
Simelane-Quntana highlighted that issues like the unemployment rate rising to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, inflation, and inequality make it challenging for many. ‘Many individuals who are referred to the Foundation gamble to make extra income; for some who are unemployed, gambling is a way of making money,’ she explained.
The foundation noted a concerning surge of problematic gambling in South Africa, which results in increased social and psychological health issues. Signs of problematic gambling include preoccupation with gambling thoughts, chasing losses, and being unable to stop despite attempts to do so.
Simelane-Quntana urged the public to seek assistance if they experience symptoms of problem gambling. The foundation offers free counseling and treatment, funded by licensed gambling operators. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offers prevention through education and public awareness campaigns, treatment and counseling, and research.
The Executive Director noted increased marketing of gambling activities, reflected by R2.6 billion spent on gambling advertising and R1.1 trillion wagered in the 2023/2024 financial year. The foundation’s education programs have observed children normalizing gambling activities due to exposure at home and in the media, exacerbated by illegal gambling forms available in communities.
The foundation emphasized the importance of living within one’s 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,’ Simelane-Quntana said. With Savings Month coming to an end, it is never too late to take back one’s power and seek help.