November marks Responsible Gambling Month in South Africa, and concerningly the country's Responsible Gambling Foundation has reported an increase in addiction related calls of 55% over the last financial year.
Over the previous financial year, the foundation took 2,600 calls, a figure that this time around sits at over 4,166.
The Gauteng Gambling Board is the regulator of the most populous province in South Africa, and the body's CEO, Dr Karabo Mbele, recently expressed her worries about an "alarming rise in irresponsible gambling, particularly among the youth."
According to last month's report from the National Gambling Board, the 2024/25 financial year saw South Africans spend R1.5 trillion ($86bn).
This eye-catching turnover is R400bn more than the previous year and the rapid acceleration of the industry has raised questions about marketing practices.
Some experts have pointed at social media and the prevalence of gambling advertising reaching young people through influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
In light of the large uptick in gambling addiction cases, Mbele commented: "We sincerely urge all punters, young people, and society at large to act responsibly when engaging in gambling activities. We also wish to remind the public that support is available. Those in need of help can access our Self-Exclusion Programme, a confidential process designed to assist individuals in managing their gambling habits."
The African iGaming Alliance recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Betting Integrity Association to improve trust and transparency on a pan-African scale
