The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has warned that more people could face severe financial and mental health consequences from gambling addiction. The warning comes as sports betting continues to boom in South Africa, with momentum expected to increase further due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
SARGF says sports betting now makes up 70% of the country’s gambling market. It expects the tournament to trigger a spike in betting through mobile apps, live in-play wagering, and aggressive marketing campaigns.
The warning follows a sharp increase in the number of South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) reports cases involving overwhelming debt, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The National Gambling Board reported that gambling turnover reached R1.5 trillion in the financial year ending March 2025, while gross gambling revenue (GGR) rose to R75 billion. This represents a 25.6% year-on-year increase.
SARGF executive director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana said past international sporting events have often been followed by higher betting activity.
“If current trends of heightened sports betting and easy access to platforms continue, we project a significant rise in people seeking help,” she said. “Our projections are based on correlated trends during sporting tournaments, where betting frequency spikes around match schedules and continuous betting opportunities across multiple fixtures.”
The NRGP recorded 5,199 referrals for gambling-related treatment during the financial year ending March 2026, compared with 4,166 referrals in the previous year.
A particularly concerning trend is the rise in people reporting suicidal ideation connected to gambling harm. Suicidal thoughts increased from 937 in 2025 to 1,298 in 2026, which is a 38.5% rise.
Of these cases, 75% were classified as mild and 25% as severe. The programme also reported that 60.9% of cases involved young adults aged 18 to 35.
SARGF also said gambling harm is not limited to unemployed people. Among people seeking help:
- 57.1% were employed full-time
- 23.9% were unemployed
- 9.2% worked part-time
- 5.9% were self-employed
- 3.9% were students
- 0.3% were pensioners
SARGF points to several reasons for increased gambling participation before the World Cup. These include the rapid growth of mobile betting platforms, live in-play betting, promotional bonuses and sign-up incentives, along with extensive advertising across television and social media.
The foundation also says economic hardship is a major factor. Higher debt levels and recent interest rate increases have left some South Africans viewing gambling as a way to supplement income, despite the serious financial risks.
SARGF also cited findings from recent research, including:
- Betting spending increased by 50% over the past three years, despite declining overall consumer spending
- 52% of working adults gamble
- Gambling participation is highest among people aged 30 to 49 (58%) and men (57%)
- 7% of South African adults spend more than their monthly income on gambling, often relying on credit or loans
- 70% of gamblers say they gamble to supplement their income
Simelane-Quntana said this growth highlights the need to strengthen both prevention and treatment.
“Gross gambling revenue growth and sports betting dominance mean more South Africans are exposed to gambling than ever before,” she said. “While treatment services remain essential, our focus is also on prevention, public education, and early intervention to reduce harm before it occurs.”
SARGF said the FIFA World Cup should serve as a reminder that gambling can quickly become harmful if left unchecked. The foundation urged the public to gamble responsibly and reminded people experiencing gambling-related problems that free, confidential counselling is available 24 hours a day through its national helpline and digital referral platform.
