South Africa Plans Advertising Crackdown as Problem Gambling Hits 31%

Regulatory Framework Targets Youth Protection

The board plans to ban persons appearing under 25 years of age from gambling advertisements. Therefore, youth-appealing imagery and characters will be prohibited from promotional materials. Moreover, tighter license conditions will require age-gating, placement checks, and record keeping. Consequently, non-compliance could result in fines reaching 5% of companies’ advertising spending or temporary advertising rights suspensions.

The regulator has engaged with provincial licensing authorities, sports regulators, and the Advertising Regulatory Board. Meanwhile, discussions with social media providers including Google address online advertising concerns. Additionally, the board seeks to reduce incidental exposure by restricting gambling advertising to specific broadcast hours. Therefore, comprehensive oversight extends across multiple distribution channels and stakeholder groups.

Problem Gambling Escalates Among Working Population

Old Mutual’s 2025 Savings and Investments Monitor reveals 52% of working South Africans gamble regularly. Meanwhile, the practice is most popular among men aged 30 to 49 years. Moreover, 40% of working South Africans acknowledge frequent gambling to cover expenses and debt. Consequently, almost half of those earning between $460 and $862 monthly gamble frequently to manage financial obligations.

Online betting generated 60% of gross gambling revenue in the 2024/25 financial year. Therefore, sports betting ranks as the most popular form at 61%, followed by lottery at 53% and slots at 52%. Additionally, 20% of gamblers borrowed money, used credit, or sold possessions to fund gambling activities. Meanwhile, 25% acknowledged experiencing financial difficulty directly resulting from gambling behavior.