In the face of increasing access to mobile gambling platforms and the false allure of making easy money, football-crazy South African youths are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of gambling. Underage gambling is a serious social issue harming youths and families across the country.
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is proud to commemorate its 20-year journey of promoting responsible gambling, research, counselling and treatment of gambling addiction. This milestone marks two decades of selfless and tireless work as one of the world's pioneering organizations in the field of responsible gambling.
In the face of increasing access to mobile gambling platforms, the SARGF remains committed to protecting young South Africans. The Foundation's initiatives, such as the Minor Intervention Programme, its Taking Risks Wisely Programme and the Social Services Unit, provide specialized care and support to minors and youths affected by gambling addiction, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery that includes family support.
“Although it is not often overtly expressed online, Gambling and Betting tend to target Gen Z and Millennials, because this generation is mostly internet-dependent with a high level of smartphone users. This is also a generation that is not risk-averse and would not immediately see gambling as a game of chance but would rather see some form of hidden patterns in the game that’s worth solving and chasing after, not realising the personal behavioural impact,” says Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, SARGF Executive Director. “This is also primarily why we see an increase in youth seeking psychotherapeutic intervention with the rise of online betting.”
Research has shown that this market is saturated by ‘Youth’ punters who are also vulnerable consumers and most likely to be susceptible to the negative harmful effects of gambling. This is also the reason why gamification of gambling affects younger players the most. Unlike traditional gambling, gamification blurs the lines between games of entertainment and gambling, adds an element of gambling to online activities and has an added hook of more excitement and a variety of games. Because of its easy access, reach and enhanced gaming experience, it is most likely to affect the functionality of the brain rewards systems of the player which could also result in dependency.
Research has shown that gamification can stimulate the brain's reward system similarly to substance dependency such as drugs or alcohol. This could lead to behavioural addiction as classified in the Diagnostical Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5-TR) as Problem Gambling.
The games offered stimulate the release of brain chemicals such as Dopamine in the Neurological Pathway, the stimulus is a result of irregular release of brain reward chemicals. With games, it is easier to repeat the same cycle of behaviour putting individuals at risk for addiction.
Taking Risks Wisely: School Programme
The Taking Risks Wisely program focuses on educating school-aged learners and other vulnerable groups about the risks of gambling. Key aspects of the program include:
• Informing learners that gambling is illegal under the age of 18.
• Providing information about care and treatment channels for those affected by disordered gambling.
• Offering specialized units of care for minors and other vulnerable groups through the Foundation’s Minor Intervention Programme and Social Services Unit.
• Encouraging learners to become peer ambassadors by making smart choices and avoiding illegal activities.
• Equipping learners with tools to combat related addiction challenges such as alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the Taking Risks Wisely program was implemented in 68 schools across Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape.
Supporting Families and Communities
SARGF’s Social Services Unit provides targeted support to children and families affected by gambling addiction. This unit operates under the Child Care Act (96 of 1996) and offers specialized care and treatment to support vulnerable groups. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that the person suffering from the addiction, as well as their family unit, receives comprehensive and compassionate care.
Treating Root Causes
Gambling addiction is recognized as a significant mental health issue, with devastating effects on individuals and families if left untreated. The SARGF has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, particularly among the African and South African youth, who are increasingly vulnerable to the allure of gambling, sports betting, and mobile gambling facilitated by widespread mobile phone access.
Steps to Recovery and Care
SARGF offers a structured pathway to recovery, ensuring individuals receive the care they need:
1. Call the NRGP Toll-Free Counselling Line 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp ‘Help’ to 076 675 0710.
2. Speak with a Professional Counsellor: Initial assessment and support.
3. Assessment and Referral: Identification of the appropriate care channel.
4. Receive Treatment: Options include outpatient treatment, in-patient treatment, family counselling, vulnerable group interventions, debt counselling, and self-exclusion.
For more information on the SARGF and its programs, visit www.responsiblegambling.org.za
Contact: South African Responsible Gambling FoundationEmail: info@responsiblegambling.org.zaPhone: +27 11 780 7810
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Note to Editors/Producers:
About the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is a non-profit company dedicated to preventing and treating disordered and addictive gambling while promoting responsible gaming practices in South Africa. The Foundation's primary objectives are:
• Education: Raising public awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction and promoting responsible gambling habits.
• Counseling: Providing support and counselling to individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
• Monitoring: Evaluating gambling trends to influence policy and advocate for effective treatment of gambling addiction.
Executive Director of the SARGF, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana is available for tv, radio and press interviews.
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Issued by Tishala Communications
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