South African Coalition Demands Total Online Gambling Ban
Over 100 organizations in South Africa united to demand a complete ban on online gambling through a Civil Society Declaration. Community activist Brandon Pillay led the event at the Radisson Blu Hotel, bringing together 107 civil society organizations, women’s groups, faith-based institutions and advocacy movements calling for immediate legislative changes and enforcement measures.
Declaration Outlines Immediate Action Demands
The coalition launched a 90-Day National Call to Action with demands for a mass national march and gambling advertising ban. Additional requirements include freezing new licenses, establishing a National Enforcement Task Force, and amending the National Gambling Act to permanently outlaw digital gambling.
Edwin Mkhize, KZN secretary of COSATU, stated workers’ salaries meant for basic amenities vanish into digital gambling run by faceless corporations. Muni Kooblal, President of Child Welfare KZN, described online gambling as a fast-spreading social crisis and mental health emergency.
Statistics Highlight Gambling Impact
Dr. Muni Kooblal, citing a report from Vault22 and Experian, presented research showing that 42% of South Africans gambled monthly. The findings indicated that up to 50% of social security grants to younger groups were spent on gambling.
Legal experts highlighted fragmented gambling oversight in South Africa. Dhilosen Pillay, former Free State Gambling Board chairperson, noted the National Gambling Board formed in 2004 was disbanded in 2014. Provincial boards now issue bookmaker licenses including online slot games never intended under law, creating regulatory loopholes.
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