Rise Mzansi Calls for Urgent Action as Gambling Addiction Surges in South Africa
Rise Mzansi has called on the South African government to introduce sweeping reforms to address what it describes as a national gambling crisis, citing new figures that show a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking help for gambling-related problems.
Gambling Addiction Cases See Sharp Increase
According to data from the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) latest annual report, the number of problem gamblers receiving assistance from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) rose from 375 in 2020/2021 to 2,997 in 2023/2024 — nearly an eight-fold increase.
“This number shot up dramatically to 2,997 in 2023/2024, according to a study by the NGB’s annual report covering the same period. There has been an equally dramatic increase in those assisted or referred for treatment under the category of relapsed patients,” said Rise Mzansi in a statement.
Problem gambling, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), refers to continued gambling behavior despite harmful consequences. In some cases, it may qualify as a diagnosable mental disorder known as pathological gambling.
Rise Mzansi linked the growing number of cases to a combination of factors including aggressive marketing by online gambling operators, high levels of unemployment, and deepening poverty. The party highlighted that South Africans spent approximately R1 trillion on gambling activities in the 2023/2024 period, with the majority of that expenditure attributed to online betting.
“While the aforementioned numbers seem minuscule, it is worth reiterating that in 2023/2024, South Africans spent R1 trillion on gambling activities, primarily on online betting,” the party said.
Concerns Mount Over Youth Exposure and Underage Gambling
Experts and regulators have also raised alarms about rising levels of gambling among South African youth. In July 2024, responsible gambling research firm InfoQuest voiced concerns about the accessibility of online gambling platforms, particularly for underage users.
“The accessibility of online gambling platforms means that gambling is now an activity that can be conducted at home and anywhere,” said Claire Heckrath, managing director of InfoQuest.
The Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) echoed those concerns, noting that young people are especially vulnerable due to constant exposure to gambling advertisements.
“Youth today are growing up with gambling all around them — on phones, in communities, even among friends. Gambling at a young age increases the risk of addiction,” the GGB stated. “If you’re worried about a loved one’s gambling, please call 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp 076 675 0710 for help.”
Call for Government Reforms
Rise Mzansi criticized what it sees as a lack of action from government departments and ministers on the issue. “The gambling crisis, which seemingly no government department or cabinet minister wants to act against, has seen an almost eight-fold increase in the number of people seeking assistance,” the party said.
The group is urging lawmakers to implement policy reforms that would more effectively regulate the industry and expand public health support for those affected by gambling addiction.
Recommended