Calls for responsible gambling grow as addiction surges

As South Africa marks Responsible Gambling Month, experts are warning of a sharp rise in gambling addiction, particularly among young people.

Erica Liebenberg of financial platform JustMoney says social media is fuelling a dangerous trend by promoting gambling as entertainment or a pathway to wealth.

"Unfortunately, what we're seeing is a massive rise in gambling addiction, which, unfortunately, is very much aided and abetted by the fact that there are a lot of gambling influencers who have joined the conversation. So, it has gone out of your traditional advertising channels into TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and they are all packaging it very much as a means of lifestyle, success, and entertainment. We are also seeing prominent sporting figures joining the fray. Basically, what all of this is doing is normalising gambling amongst fans, including younger audiences. So, we are just seeing a growing trend towards irresponsible gambling and gambling addiction.

"If we look at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation statistics, they saw a 55% rise in addiction-related calls to their helpline during the last financial year ending in February 2025. That' 4,166 people up from 2,600 in the year before. So, we can see it is truly a problem that's growing."

Liebenberg noted that many South Africans, particularly those earning below R5,000 a month, now see gambling as a way to stretch their income, which is a risky misconception.

She advises gamblers to set strict limits, view betting purely as entertainment, and never as an income source.

Here are Liebenberg’s tips for gambling responsibly:

Know your limits:
Set a strict budget before gambling and only use money you can afford to lose.

See gambling as entertainment, not income:
Treat it like paying for a night out or a movie, not a way to make money.

Avoid chasing losses:
If you lose, walk away. Trying to win back money often leads to deeper debt.

Be aware of influencer marketing:
Don’t be swayed by online personalities or sports figures promoting gambling as a 'lifestyle'.

Recognise financial stress as a risk factor:
Many people gamble out of desperation; instead, look for safer ways to supplement your income.

Explore healthier financial options:
Consider starting a side hustle, budgeting better, or seeking financial advice rather than gambling.

Seek help early:

If gambling feels out of control, contact the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline (0800 006 008 - available 24/7, SMS/WhatsApp to 076 675 0710 or email counsellor@responsiblegambling.co.za) for confidential support.

To listen to Liebenberg in conversation with 702's Relebogile Mabotja, click below: