The National Gambling Board (NGB) has urged South Africans to safeguard their household finances and exercise caution when participating in gambling activities, following the release of Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labor Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026.
The latest figures paint a concerning picture of the economic pressures facing many South African households. According to Stats SA, the official unemployment rate increased from 32.7% in the first quarter to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026. The survey recorded approximately 8.5 million unemployed people, an increase of 345,000 from the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, the number of employed people fell by 16,000 to approximately 16.7 million. Young people remain particularly affected, with 36.4% of South Africans aged between 15 and 24 neither employed nor in education or training.
Against this backdrop, the NGB has reminded citizens that gambling, when conducted legally, is a regulated form of entertainment and should never be viewed as a source of income, a remedy for unemployment or a solution to financial hardship. The NGB’s 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in South Africa study highlights the need for greater awareness among younger South Africans.
The study found that gambling participation is highest among people aged 25 to 34, with 77% of respondents in this age group indicating that they participate in gambling. It also found that 55% of identified problem gamblers are between the ages of 25 and 34. The NGB cautioned that severe economic pressure can make the prospect of making quick money through gambling appear attractive.
Its socio-economic research also identified a link between gambling and household financial pressures. More than half (54%) of gamblers surveyed said they use gambling winnings to purchase basic household necessities, while 43% said they use their winnings to pay debts or bills.
The research further found that some participants gamble to compensate for income loss, which was identified as a concern among participants. The NGB stressed that gambling always carries the risk of financial loss and that chasing losses can further deepen financial difficulties.
“The latest figures highlight the difficult circumstances facing many South African households and, during times such as these, every rand matters,” said NGB Acting Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dukwana.
“Food, accommodation, transport, education and debt repayments must come before gambling. If you choose to participate, only use money that remains after your essential commitments have been met and only gamble what you can afford to lose. Protect the money you have to sustain your family.”
The NGB said it is particularly concerned about young people, who continue to experience disproportionately high levels of economic exclusion. The organization strongly encouraged young South Africans not to view sports betting or other forms of gambling as an alternative pathway to earning an income.
“We recognize the heavy burdens facing young people across the country. Our message is not one of judgment, but of protection,” said Dukwana.
“Gambling is an uncertain activity and there is no guarantee of winning. It should never replace the pursuit of sustainable employment, education or other legitimate opportunities for economic participation.”
The NGB also reminded members of the public who choose to gamble to do so responsibly and only through operators that are legally licensed in South Africa. Members of the public can use the NGB’s Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal to check whether a gambling operator is licensed before participating.
The NGB also highlighted that free and confidential counseling and treatment support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) for individuals or family members experiencing financial distress or difficulties related to gambling.
The NGB said it will continue to promote responsible gambling, public education and consumer protection as part of its mandate to minimize the potential socio-economic harm associated with gambling and protect vulnerable members of society.
About the National Gambling Board
The National Gambling Board (NGB) is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), was established under the National Gambling Act, 1996 (Act No. 33 of 1996), which was repealed on 1 November 2004 by the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act No. 7 of 2004).
The Act provides for oversight of matters relating to casinos, bingo, betting and wagering, and Limited Payout Machines (LPMs), while promoting uniform norms and standards for gambling across South Africa.
The NGB has concurrent competencies with provincial gambling regulators and works to ensure harmonization and consistency with the National Gambling Act and its statutes. The organization also prioritizes public education on illegal and responsible gambling, with a focus on protecting the South African public and reducing the potential social and economic harms associated with gambling.
