In the wake of the recent announcement that the PSL (Premier Soccer League) has inked a sponsorship deal with major online sports betting operator Betway, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has called for heightened awareness around the pitfalls inherent in excessive gambling behaviour.
While brand alignment between sporting events and sports betting is nothing new, the SARGF has noted the increased public interest the PSL’s sponsorship deal with Betway has created among South African sports fans.
Given the nature of football, its vast audience and immense popularity with South Africans of all ages, the risks associated with the over-stimulation of the latent demand for betting - especially amongst the youth and those prone to excessive gambling - the SARGF has called for heightened awareness of these risks.
Executive Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana says: “South Africans love their football and in future we will possibly see a growth in the trend of sports betting operators looking to increase their brand awareness and brand alignment with the sports codes on which their players can place wagers. South Africa has some of the strictest advertising regulations in the world that govern the advertising of gambling services for legal gambling operators. Legal gambling operators also have technological interventions that detect underage gambling through the Know Your Customer (KYC) Principle and flag irresponsible gambling behaviour.
As a close partner to various sport betting companies in South Africa, including Betway - the SARGF takes confidence in the fact that:
· Betway is a globally listed entity, which is regulated by strict measures that prohibit any form of illegal conduct, including that of match fixing.
· Betway is a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) as well as the Sports Betting Integrity Forum (SBIF) – two bodies that regulate and govern the integrity of sports betting.
“That said, the growing trend of major sponsorship deals aligning with sports betting operators will ultimately have an impact on excessive gambling behaviour and there needs to be heightened education and awareness of the risks associated with problem gambling and the numerous interventions available through free counselling and treatment provided by the South African Gambling Foundation,” she says.
Simelane-Quntana also urged social gamblers to do a self-awareness assessment of their gambling behaviour via the SARGF to potentially identify any behavioural risks and seek care via the appropriate channels by calling the NRGP Toll-Free Counselling Line 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp ‘Help’ to 076 675 0710 or via e-Referral at https://responsiblegambling.org.za/digital-referral/ where they can speak with a Professional Counsellor for initial assessment and support.
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:
• Prevention and 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.
For more information on the SARGF and its programs, visit www.responsiblegambling.org.za
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Note to Editors/Producers:
Executive Director of the SARGF, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana is available for tv, radio and press interviews.
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Issued by Tishala Communications
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