{
  "id": 2994111,
  "title": "National Gambling Board warns against gambling as a financial solution",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/national-gambling-board-warns-against-gambling-as-a-financial-solution",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T10:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/2026-08-24-national-gambling-board-warns-against-gambling-as-a-financial-solution/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Gambling Board (NGB) in South Africa has issued a warning about the dangers of gambling as a means to generate income, particularly for young adults aged 25 to 34. Recent research conducted by the NGB reveals a concerning trend, with this age group representing 53% of participants in online sports betting, 53% in retail sports betting, and 49% in casino gambling. Moreover, a significant 55% of identified problem gamblers were found to be within this age bracket.\n\nBoard Acting Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dukwana highlighted the research findings, stating that while the study did not specifically identify which gambling mode most frequently contributes to problem gambling among the 25-34 age group, it is clear that financial considerations play a substantial role in gambling behaviors. Dukwana pointed out that respondents cited reasons such as the desire to win a large amount of money and the need for additional income as primary motivations for gambling. Additionally, many respondents viewed gambling as a way to supplement their income or cope with financial difficulties.\n\nThe NGB's research indicates that financial vulnerability is a significant driver for gambling, with 54% of gamblers using winnings to purchase basic household necessities and 43% using them to pay debts or bills. The NGB stresses that gambling should not be considered a substitute for sustainable employment or income, warning that financially vulnerable people may view gambling as a way out of economic hardship. However, the NGB firmly maintains that gambling should never be relied upon as a substitute for sustainable income.\n\nThis warning comes amid a rapidly expanding betting market, with betting gross gambling revenue (GGR) increasing by 44.7% from R35.9 billion in the 2023/24 financial year to R52 billion in 2024/25. Betting now accounts for approximately 69.8% of South Africa's total gambling GGR, compared to 22.3% for casinos. The NGB attributes this growth to the widespread use of smartphones and digital platforms, with 92% of gamblers accessing gambling online through their cellphones. Online sports and horse-racing betting are the most commonly used forms of online gambling, with participants citing convenience, immediate access to funds, bonuses, and promotions as primary reasons for choosing these platforms.\n\nThe NGB is particularly concerned about the increase in illegal online gambling facilitated by the rapid expansion of digital access. While the NGB acknowledges that smartphones themselves do not cause problem gambling, they emphasize the need for effective consumer protection and responsible gambling safeguards due to the combination of accessibility, convenience, advertising, and continuous access through smartphones.",
  "summary": "The National Gambling Board warns that reliance on gambling for income is rising among South Africans aged 25 to 34, highlighting alarming trends in problem gambling and the need for responsible gambling practices.",
  "key_points": [
    "National Gambling Board warns against gambling as income solution",
    "25-34 age group accounts for 53% of online sports bettors",
    "Financial vulnerability drives gambling, NGB stresses"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}