Press Release: Betting on Desperation: 48% of SA’s Problem Gamblers Are Under 35

Johannesburg, June 17, 2025 – As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) warns of a troubling surge in problem gambling among young adults aged 18 to 35. Amid soaring youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities, many are turning to high-risk betting as a perceived income source, often with devastating financial and social consequences. 

According to the SARGF’s 2024/25 National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) Report, the foundation received 4 166 referrals for counselling and support treatment, nearly half (2,034) involving young adults. The most common forms of gambling included: 

• Online sports and non-sports betting 

• Casino slot machines 

• Illegal gambling operations 

Voluntary self-exclusion, where individuals proactively ban their own gambling access for a minimum period of 6 months, saw 902 new applications for counselling and treatment, a sharp increase from the previous 2023/24 financial year of the 902 self-excluded persons 196 were between the ages of 18-35. While these figures span all age groups, they underscore the growing distress among youth, many of whom gamble to recoup losses or supplement meagre incomes.  

The NRGP provides ongoing support through the NRGP support group which has over 600 members, this Support Group was designed for Problem Gamblers who have completed their recommended therapeutic sessions but still require ongoing support. 

Inpatient treatment is when a patient is suffering from more than one psychological disorder (e.g., presenting with signs of gambling disorder and depression or bipolar mood disorder at the same time) and gets hospitalised in a private clinic or hospital for 21 days receiving both talk and medicinal therapy to fight his or her psychological disorder. 

In the financial year 2024/25 A total of 27 psychiatric evaluations were conducted, which resulted in 18 inpatients being admitted to various psychiatric institutions. Inpatient admissions have doubled compared to the previous financial year.   Of the 27 psychiatric evaluations 15 were between the ages of 18-35 and from the 18 inpatient admissions 9 were between the ages of 18-35   

Employment Status Doesn’t Guarantee Protection 

Contrary to assumptions, problem gambling extends beyond the unemployed: 

• 2 362 held full-time jobs 

• 515 were self-employed 

• 302 worked part-time 

• 752 were unemployed 

• 163 were students 

This data reveals that gambling is no longer just a social activity but a secondary income strategy for many, one that often spirals into devastating consequences.  

The Psychological Trap: Gambling as a False Lifeline 

The SARGF’s interviews expose a grim reality, with nearly 40% of South African youth unemployed, many view gambling as their only shot at financial relief. Limited access to skills development and formal employment further fuels reliance on high-risk bets. Aggressive digital and mass media marketing by gambling operators exacerbates the problem.  

Winning can have a profound effect on the brain by stimulating the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. This surge of dopamine creates a sense of euphoria and can reinforce the behaviour that led to the win, potentially encouraging repeated gambling. However, a responsible gambler approaches this with caution. They set clear limits on their time and money spent on gambling, understand the odds and risks involved, and avoid chasing losses. By staying mindful of their emotions and behaviours, responsible gamblers can enjoy the thrill of gambling without letting it negatively impact their lives 

Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, said, “We’re seeing too many young lives unsettled by the promise of quick money through gambling. When jobs and training are hard to find, betting can look like a fast path to income, but it often leads to deeper harm. To date, we have visited over 20,000 schools to remind anyone under 18 that betting isn’t for them. For those aged 18 to 35 who lived in a fully digital world, we offer easy online gambling severity index and referral tools on our website. Gambling should never have felt like their only way to make money.” 

The SARGF urges policymakers, educators, and communities to address the root causes, unemployment, financial illiteracy and inadequate skills development, before problem gambling escalates further. 

For more information on the SARGF and its programmes, visit: www.responsiblegambling.org.za  

Contact: National Responsible Gambling Programme   

Email the NRGP Helpline: helpline@responsiblegambling.org.za  

Toll-Free Counselling Phone: 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp help to 076 675 0710  

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.  

 Issued by Tishala Communications