Online betting has made gambling available almost anywhere and at any time. For some people, it remains occasional entertainment, but for others it can develop into debt, secrecy, relationship problems and serious emotional distress.

Clinical data from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation shows that 5,199 people were screened for treatment during 2025/26. Of these, 1,345 presented with high-risk suicidal-ideation profiles.

This does not mean that 1,345 people attempted suicide or died by suicide. It means the screening process identified people who required closer assessment and support.

The harm often extends beyond gambling

Among those assessed, 83% reportedly had debt they could no longer manage, while 35% of first-time callers reported higher alcohol consumption.

Thirty-six people were referred for psychiatric evaluations and 20 entered inpatient treatment programmes.

These figures show why gambling harm should not be dismissed as poor money management. It can overlap with anxiety, depression, substance use, family conflict and financial hardship.

Online betting is growing rapidly

South Africa recorded approximately R1.5 trillion in gambling turnover during 2024/25. However, this figure includes winnings that were subsequently wagered again, so it is not the amount that gamblers lost.

Gross gambling revenue, the amount retained after winnings are paid, was R74.5 billion, up 25.6% from the previous year. Online betting generated R44 billion and accounted for 85.5% of betting revenue. 

In October 2026, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said he would engage ICASA to assess whether online gamblers have sufficient safeguards and whether operators are complying with regulatory requirements.

Warning signs to take seriously

Online betting may be causing harm when someone:

• Uses money intended for food, rent, transport or school expenses.
• Borrows money or sells possessions to continue betting.
• Keeps gambling to recover previous losses.
• Hides betting activity, losses or debt.
• Becomes anxious or irritable when unable to gamble.
• Neglects work, family or other responsibilities.
• Views gambling as a way to escape financial difficulty.
• Feels hopeless or overwhelmed because of gambling losses.

The National Gambling Board advises people to treat gambling as entertainment, not as an income source, and never to gamble with money needed for essential expenses. 

Practical steps that can help

Because online betting is constantly accessible, relying on willpower alone may not be enough. Creating practical barriers can make it harder to place another impulsive bet.

• Stop trying to win back money already lost.
• Use deposit limits, cooling-off periods or account-suspension tools where available.
• Turn off betting notifications and unsubscribe from promotional messages.
• Remove saved cards and payment information from betting accounts.
• Lower banking transaction limits if immediate access to money is contributing to impulsive betting.
• Delete betting applications, but remember that deleting an app does not close the account.
• Tell a trusted relative or friend what is happening.
• Do not take another loan to fund gambling or recover losses.
• Contact a counsellor and ask about formal self-exclusion.

Setting a budget can help recreational gamblers, but it may not be enough once someone is borrowing money, hiding losses or repeatedly failing to stop.

The National Responsible Gambling Programme provides free counselling and treatment. Self-exclusion can also restrict a person’s access to gambling while they receive support. 

Self-exclusion offers a stronger barrier

A person can request self-exclusion through a gambling operator or provincial gambling authority.

Under the formal process, the person is excluded from gambling for at least six months and receives counselling support. Reinstatement is considered only after the exclusion period and evidence that counselling has been attended.

Be careful where you gamble

Not every gambling website or application available online is legal in South Africa.

The National Gambling Board says consumers should use only operators licensed by a provincial gambling authority. Offshore casinos and unlicensed platforms may offer no reliable protection or recourse when winnings are withheld or information is misused.

Help is available

You do not have to wait until gambling has caused a financial or emotional crisis before asking for support. Free and confidential guidance is available to individuals and families affected by gambling harm.

• National Responsible Gambling Programme: Call 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp 076 675 0710.
• SADAG 24-hour Suicide Crisis Line: Call 0800 567 567.

The Bottom Line

Gambling harm can become serious, but people do not have to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Recovery may begin with one honest conversation, a self-exclusion request or a call to a counsellor. Families can also seek guidance when someone else’s gambling is affecting the household.