Sun International has pledged to prevent online gambling account activation for customers who declare that they receive SASSA social grants or NSFAS funding. The move comes amid growing concern about South Africa’s gambling crisis, as more people turn to betting in the hope of making ends meet while household budgets are under pressure.
Student allowances intended to cover rent, food and textbooks are increasingly being spent on gambling, prompting the National Gambling Board (NGB) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to intervene. Under its newly launched Responsible Gambling Charter, Sun International says it will not activate online gambling accounts for customers who identify themselves as recipients of SASSA grants or NSFAS funding.
The company acknowledges that it cannot access the agencies records to verify customer’s claims. As a result, the restriction relies on applicants accurately declaring their source of income. Sun International says it will add “SASSA social grant recipient” and “NSFAS funding recipient” as options in the source-of-income section of its online registration form. Customers who select either option will not have their accounts activated.
The NGB and NSFAS have also joined forces to tackle student gambling, protect student allowances and promote responsible gambling. In a joint statement, the organizations said the partnership responds to growing concerns about young people’s exposure to gambling and the use of student allowances for betting.
They plan to roll out nationwide education programmes, campus workshops and awareness campaigns. NGB chief executive Lungile Dukwana said the partnership would focus on reducing harm and addressing the growing normalization of gambling.
“This partnership prioritises the protection of young people through harm reduction approaches that prevent the development of harmful gambling behaviours. Particular attention will be given to the growing normalization of gambling through digital advertising platforms, social media, and mobile applications, which increasingly affects students.”
