Gambling Act leaves SA children at risk as online and mobile gambling mushrooms

South African children are increasingly vulnerable to gambling and gaming addiction. The National Gambling Act 2004 offers insufficient protection for both children and adults struggling with this widespread addiction. 

In light of the rapid expansion of online and mobile gambling platforms, there is an urgent need for immediate government intervention to address these gaps. Updated legislation is required to introduce clear regulations for remote gambling and ensure effective enforcement mechanisms.  

Such decisive action will help protect minors, support those at risk of addiction, and bring South African law in line with global best practices for responsible gambling oversight.  

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) therefore calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently address the over stimulation fuelled by a proliferation of online betting platforms. 

“The lack of regulation regarding remote gambling activities, including online casinos and online betting, leaves these areas unregulated and untaxed,” says Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. 

Although it is illegal for children under 18 years to gamble the reality is that some children are easily accessing online gambling platforms by using adult credentials. Pervasive advertising normalises gambling and does very little to warn the public about the harmful effects of gambling.  

“The remedy for this,” says Simelane-Quntana, “are stringent mechanisms, which include the mandatory verification of identification documents with facial recognition, the declaration of income, and the collection of personal identification or passport information. 

“These practices are widely recognised and adopted internationally, where they serve a dual purpose of combating money laundering and preventing underage gambling,” she states. 

The Foundation is also urging law makers to broaden their focus beyond gambling and consider regulating gaming to combat gaming disorder among children and young adults. 

This follows the World Health Organisation’s 2022 classification of gaming disorder as a mental health condition in the 11th edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Problems (ICD).  

The World Health Organisation defines gaming disorder “as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour so severe that it takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities. Symptoms can include diminished control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and the continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences”. 

“Our recommendation is that the definition of “gambling games” in the Act should be expanded to include gaming due to its addictiveness and accessibility,” says Simelane-Qutana. 

The human brain’s prefrontal cortex which is the part of the brain that is responsible for decision making and impulse control only fully develops at the age of 25. Therefore, over stimulation of play may cause long-term behavioural and mental health conditions coupled with other psychological comorbidity disorders and substance abuse.  

Research indicates that gambling engages the brain’s reward system by triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, learning, and reinforcement. Studies have shown that gambling or gaming can release as much as ten times more dopamine than natural rewards like food or social interaction. This surge leads to a temporary sense of euphoria, but over time the brain adapts to these elevated levels, reducing its responsiveness and making it harder for individuals to derive satisfaction from everyday experiences. 

Repeated exposure to gambling or gaming stimuli not only heightens the risk of addiction by reinforcing these behaviour patterns, but can also physically alter neural pathways, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system.  

“The legislation should mandate the development of a minors' intervention programme specifically for addictive gaming. An example of this can be found in the UK’s Gambling Act of 2005, which stipulates strict age verification requirements on operators to prevent underage participation supported by comprehensive penalties for breaches,” concludes Simelane-Qutana. 

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Editor’s Notes 

Legislative amendments needed to effectively regulate online and mobile gambling are: 

Identity Verification – Operators must implement advanced verification processes such as real time document checks, biometric analysis, and cross-referencing with government databases to prevent underage and unauthorised gambling.  

Responsible Gambling Initiatives – Mandate the use of algorithmic tools to detect problem gambling behaviour online, prompt self-exclusion options, and ensure that all self-excluded individuals are referred to support programmes such as the NRGP within seven days. Early intervention is vital to minimising harm and supporting recovery.  

Advertising and Messaging Controls – Clearly define and regulate both "advertising" and "messaging" (including SMS, email, and app notifications) to prevent the dissemination of harmful promotional material. All marketing should include responsible gambling messaging and be restricted from targeting vulnerable groups, especially minors.  

Data Protection and Fair Play – Operators must adhere to strict data protection standards and ensure the integrity of online games through transparent, auditable systems.  

Funding for Harm Prevention – Require online operators to contribute a fixed percentage of their gross gambling revenue to responsible gambling funds, ensuring stable financing for prevention and treatment programmes. 

About The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation 

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is a non-profit company dedicated to preventing and treating disordered and addictive gambling while promoting responsible gaming practices in South Africa. The Foundation’s primary objectives are: 

• Education: Raising public awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction and promoting responsible gambling habits.   

• Counselling: Providing support and counselling to individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.   

• Monitoring: Evaluating gambling trends to influence policy and advocate for effective treatment of gambling addiction.   

  
  

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