South Africa Gambling Board Warns Against Betting to Solve Financial Problems
Highlights
- South Africa’s National Gambling Board has urged consumers not to rely on betting as a source of income.
- The warning follows a rise in unemployment to 33.6% during the second quarter.
South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has warned consumers against using betting as a way to deal with financial difficulties as unemployment continues to rise.
The warning follows Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which states that the unemployment rate increased to 33.6% in Q2 2026, compared with 32.7% during the previous quarter.
The NGB has encouraged consumers to treat gambling as entertainment rather than as a means of generating income. Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana said essential expenses such as food, accommodation, transport, education and debt repayments should take priority over gambling.
The board also highlighted the financial pressures facing younger South Africans. According to the latest labour data, 36.4% of people aged between 15 and 24 were neither employed nor participating in education or training.
The NGB’s own 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in South Africa study found that participation in gambling was highest among people aged between 25 and 34.
The research also showed that gambling winnings were being used for essential financial commitments by a significant number of participants. Around 54% of gamblers surveyed said they used winnings to purchase basic household necessities, while 43% said they used gambling profits to pay debts or bills.
The NGB’s latest warning comes as South Africa continues to balance the growth of its betting market with concerns surrounding responsible gambling and financial vulnerability.
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