SARGF URGES FOR TIGHTER GAMBLING AD REGULATIONS TO PROTECT THEYOUTH AMID INDUSTRY BOOM

Johannesburg, 20 October 2025 — The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has noted the release of the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) 2024–2025 Annual Report, which recorded a staggering R1.5 trillion in gambling turnover over the financial year — up from R1.1 trillion in the previous period.

From this amount, R75 billion was generated in gambling profits, with online betting contributing more than half of this figure. Betting alone accounted for R52.3 billion, or 70% of total gambling profits — while also creating 13,983 jobs across the sector. 

During the same period of the 2024 / 2025 the National Responsible Gambling

Programme (NRGP) saw an increase in referrals of those seeking voluntary

counselling and treatment for problem gambling from 2,662 in 2023/2024 to 4,166 in 2024/205 a 55% increase.

The NGB, in its presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, raised alarm over the escalating exposure of young people to gambling, citing an increase in advertising campaigns that feature younger-looking models and target vulnerable audiences.

According to the report, betting grew by 45.7% year-on-year, driven largely by its digital accessibility, while casino gambling declined by 4.1%, bingo by 8.6%, and limited payout machines (LPMs) by 0.04%. These figures signal a clear shift, with betting now the dominant form of gambling in South Africa, overtaking traditional casinos. 

Reacting to the findings, SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana

said: “We are not entirely surprised by the figures released by the National Gambling Board. We expected a slight increase. However, moving from R1.1 trillion to R1.5 trillion in turnover and from R59 billion to R75 billion in gross gambling revenue, is deeply concerning for punters who are vulnerable and at risk of problem gambling or gambling disorder once diagnosed. It reflects not only the continued growth of the gambling sector, but the need to proactively balance progress in curbing problem gambling through strengthened play protection and responsible gambling practices.”

She added that the delay of regulation and legislative intervention remains a

hindrance.

“The absence of updated regulations or legislative interventions to minimise gambling-related harm remains a serious gap. What we’re seeing now is the real

human impact of that — people who develop problem or disordered gambling behaviours that can quickly spiral into clinical health issues, often linked to depression, severe insomnia, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse.”

"We are particularly worried about the exposure of minors to gambling advertising. From radio promotions aired during family hours to gambling ads embedded on banking apps and search engines, we are normalising gambling to young people before they are old enough to understand the risks. Stronger regulation is needed to control when and how gambling is marketed, and we urge parents to activate parental controls on all digital devices to help protect children from exposure. This must become a national conversation about responsibility — both at industry and household level,” said Simelane-Quntana.

The NGB, in its presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, presented findings from its Socio-Economic impact study 2023/2024, which showed that there was a 65.7% gambling prevalence and 31% problem gambling prevalence which was based on a sample size of 4007.

The Foundation emphasised that while gambling remains a regulated and legitimate entertainment industry, the rapid expansion of online betting and aggressive marketing tactics necessitates greater accountability, public education, and policy reform to mitigate harm, especially among youth and vulnerable populations.

SARGF continues to work with government, industry stakeholders, and regulators to advance responsible gambling practices, promote safer gambling environments, and ensure that growth in the sector does not come at the cost of public health and social stability. 

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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