Financial insecurity and ‘quick wins’ fuels gambling addiction in South African youth

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation is sounding the alarm on a surge in gambling among young adults in South Africa. Financial instability and the promise of instant riches are drawing 25- to 34-year-olds into potentially harmful gambling habits. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, the foundation's executive director, explained that mounting pressures such as unemployment, money troubles, and soaring living costs make gambling seem like an easy solution for many.

The allure of quick winnings can lead individuals to chase losses, which often results in escalating debt.

The foundation has noted a staggering rise in calls to its counselling services regarding sports betting, surging from 178 in the 2024/25 fiscal year to 1,451 in 2025/26. While this number represents only a fraction of the overall gambling community, it is significant because it indicates individuals who have acknowledged the need for help, whereas a larger group may remain undetected and vulnerable.

One crucial distinction Simelane-Quntana emphasized is the legal paradox in South Africa: online gambling is prohibited, yet online betting remains permissible. This ambiguity fuels the accessibility and popularity of betting platforms, which are often seen as a potential source of supplementary income for those experiencing financial strain.

The ease of access provided by gambling apps and websites allows for round-the-clock engagement, making it easier for young adults to bet frequently and impulsively. This constant availability exacerbates the risk of accumulating significant losses in a short period.

To curb such harmful behavior, the foundation is advocating for stronger prevention, education, and harm-reduction initiatives. They are pushing for better player-protection measures, such as a unified National Self-Exclusions list and a streamlined national cooling-off system, in line with the guidelines set by the National Gambling Act and its regulations.

Both the foundation and other organizations are urging individuals to keep gambling separate from essential household spending. Simelane-Quntana recommends setting a fixed gambling or entertainment budget only after covering all necessary expenses. It is crucial not to borrow money for gambling and to keep the funds strictly separate from those needed for daily living.

The foundation also advises families to intervene when gambling starts to impact household finances or relationships. Unpaid bills, borrowing, secrecy about finances, chasing losses, and allowing gambling to supersede family responsibilities are red flags that should prompt concern. A simple self-assessment question—whether one is gambling with spare change or their last remaining funds—can help individuals gauge whether their gambling behavior is still under control or if it is starting to dominate their financial, relational, and everyday life.

For those already grappling with gambling-related losses or debt, the foundation provides free and confidential counselling, treatment options, and referral services. Importantly, Simelane-Quntana stresses that there is no shame in seeking help and that gambling harm is a treatable condition, not a reflection of personal inadequacy.