Distressed Gambling Calls Soar 600% in South Africa Amidst R75 Billion Industry Revenue
The number of South Africans seeking help for gambling-related distress has increased dramatically, rising over 600% in the past year as the nation’s gambling industry generated R75 billion in revenue, raising concerns about the socioeconomic impact of widespread betting.
According to the National Gambling Board’s (NGB’s) latest annual report, the toll-free counselling line run by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) received 1.1 million calls in the 2024/25 financial year, a staggering increase from the 140,263 calls received the previous year. This surge coincides with a R1.5-trillion turnover for the industry, fueled by both online and physical betting outlets. The growth in gambling is particularly concerning as South Africa already faces significant economic challenges, and increased debt is a common consequence of problem gambling. “As a government, we are aware that there is a substantial increase in adults and young children alike who are now addicted to gambling,” stated Evelyn Masotja, the deputy director-general for regulations at the department of trade, industry & competition (DTIC).
The shift towards online betting has accelerated in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 lockdowns. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, executive director of the SARGF, noted that those seeking help are increasingly employed, indicating that gambling is no longer simply a recreational activity but a desperate attempt to supplement income. “Their gambling was not for entertainment but became a problem as soon as their gambling intent became a source of a secondary income due to the tough socioeconomic conditions they found in,” Simelane-Quntana explained. The industry’s revenue breakdown shows that betting on horses and sporting activities accounts for 70% of the gross gambling revenue, followed by casinos at 22%. You can find more information about responsible gambling resources here.
Government officials are now prioritizing stronger regulations to address the issue, with the National Gambling Amendment Act of 2008 still awaiting promulgation after facing parliamentary concerns. The DTIC is also working with the Advertising Regulatory Body to strengthen rules around gambling advertising, acknowledging its role in exacerbating the problem. Perpetua Investment Managers recently released a report highlighting the need for a sustainable industry built on responsible practices, suggesting measures like identification requirements and daily spend limits. The rise in problem gambling also has broader implications for financial stability, as highlighted in reports from the South African Reserve Bank.
The DTIC indicated that the reintroduced National Gambling Bill is due to be debated in the National Assembly, with officials emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate the growing crisis.
