The National Gambling Board (NGB) has urged South Africans to protect their household finances and gamble responsibly after a study found that 55% of identified problem gamblers are aged between 25 and 34.
The National Gambling Board (NGB) issued the warning following the release of Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026, which it says highlights the economic pressure many South Africans are facing.
According to Stats SA, the official unemployment rate rose from 32.7% in the first quarter to 33.6% in the second quarter. The survey recorded about 8.5 million unemployed people, which is 345,000 more than in the first quarter. It also reported that the number of employed people was approximately 16.7 million, 16,000 fewer than in the previous quarter.
The NGB said young people remain especially affected, with 36.4% of South Africans aged 15 to 24 neither in employment, education, nor training. The National Gambling Board (NGB)reminded the public that gambling is only acceptable as a regulated form of entertainment when done legally. It said gambling should never be viewed as a source of income, a way to address unemployment, or a solution to financial hardship.
It added that its 2023 and 2024 study on the socio-economic impact of gambling in South Africa supports the need for stronger awareness among younger people. The National Gambling Board (NGB) said the study found that gambling participation is highest among those aged 25 to 34, with 77% of respondents in that age group reporting that they gamble. It also reported that 55% of identified problem gamblers fall within the same age range.
The NGB warned that severe economic strain can make the idea of a quick financial return through gambling seem appealing. It said its research links gambling to household financial pressures, noting that more than half (54%) of gamblers use their winnings to buy basic household necessities, while 43% use winnings to pay debts or bills.
The research also found that some participants gamble to make up for income loss, which the NGB said is a particular concern. National Gambling Board (NGB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lungile Dukwana said the latest figures show how difficult conditions are for many households and that, in such times, every rand matters.
He said people should prioritize essential needs such as food, accommodation, transport, education, and debt repayments before gambling. Dukwana added that those who choose to participate should only use money left after essential commitments have been met, and only gamble what they can afford to lose.
The NGB said it is especially concerned about young people, who continue to experience high levels of economic exclusion. It urged young South Africans not to see sports betting or other forms of gambling as an alternative route to earning an income, saying the organization’s message is meant to protect rather than judge.
Dukwana said gambling is uncertain, with no guarantee of winning, and should never replace efforts to secure sustainable employment, education, or other legitimate opportunities. He also urged the public to gamble responsibly and only use legally licensed operators in South Africa.
