PRETORIA, Gauteng — The National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a stark warning against using betting as a quick fix for unemployment and financial hardships, describing the current scale of wagering in the country as a severe national crisis. As millions of South Africans struggle economically, the board highlights that gambling has dangerously shifted from a recreational activity to a desperate survival measure for many vulnerable citizens.
With the national unemployment rate sitting at a staggering 33.6%, the NGB notes that young adults are bearing the brunt of this growing epidemic. According to the board’s data, 77% of people between the ages of 25 and 34 actively gamble, and more than half of all identified problem gamblers fall into this specific demographic.
A Staggering Financial Scale
The financial metrics surrounding the industry illustrate the sheer magnitude of the issue. South Africans effectively spent R1.5 trillion annually on gambling turnover during the 2024/2025 period. While this figure represents total turnover before winnings are paid out, the actual Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) sits at approximately R75 billion.
To put the R1.5 trillion turnover into perspective, the NGB points out that just seven days of national gambling is equivalent to the entire R54-billion national student funding budget.
Lungile Dukwana, Acting CEO of the National Gambling Board, emphasizes that while the core message of responsible gambling remains important, the current climate requires a much broader intervention. “People do look at gambling as a survival means rather than recreation, which is obviously exacerbating the challenge,” Dukwana explained, noting that the aggressive enticement of advertising is heavily influencing vulnerable groups, including university students and the unemployed.
Cracking Down on Illegal Operators and Advertising
To combat the proliferation of both legal and illegal betting sites, the NGB is pursuing a multi-faceted enforcement and regulatory approach. Dukwana acknowledged that there is room for improvement regarding implementation and oversight, prompting the board to seek enhanced enforcement muscle through the proposed National Gambling Amendment Bill.
Currently, the NGB is collaborating closely with Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to raid and shut down illegal gambling operations, such as unregulated internet cafes and lounges. These joint operations have already led to multiple arrests and site closures.
Furthermore, the board is tackling the digital frontier by targeting offshore, unlicensed websites. The NGB has issued an expression of interest to implement a robust site-blocking system. By working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and advocating for crucial amendments to the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act, the board aims to block illegal advertising and restrict access to unregulated platforms. The NGB is also recommending strict norms and standards to limit gambling advertisements during times when minors are likely to be watching television.
In a bid to hit illegal operators where it hurts, the NGB is seeking the assistance of the banking sector. Under Section 16 of the Act, the board wants banks to help identify and confiscate winnings generated from illegal gambling, ensuring those funds are surrendered to the state.
A Message of Caution to the Public
Despite the heavy focus on regulation and enforcement, the NGB maintains a dual mandate: to realize the economic benefits of the industry while managing its socio-economic harms. For the public, Dukwana’s message is clear—gambling will not resolve financial problems; it will only make them worse.
“The likelihood is that you may not make the money that you think you would be able to make. You can lose what you have,” Dukwana cautioned, reminding the public that “the house always wins.”
The Acting CEO urged citizens to never gamble with money meant for daily necessities like food, and to avoid betting when intoxicated, in a bad emotional state, or when lacking disposable income. The board strongly advises the public to only gamble for recreation, only wager what they can afford to lose, and strictly use locally licensed South African operators where consumer safeguards and operator accountability are legally enforced.