The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has issued a warning that gambling should not be seen as a remedy for financial difficulties, especially in light of escalating unemployment figures in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the NGB urged South Africans to be cautious with gambling, emphasizing that it should be approached as a source of entertainment rather than a means to resolve economic challenges.
Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) revealed in its Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026 that the unemployment rate has climbed to 33.6%, up from 32.7% in the first quarter.
Lungile Dukwana, the acting CEO of the NGB, pointed out that due to significant financial strains on households, individuals need to prioritize their essential expenses before allocating funds for gambling. He stated, "The latest figures highlight the difficult circumstances facing many South African households and, during times such as these, every rand matters."
He continued, "Food, accommodation, transport, education, and debt repayments must come before gambling. If you choose to participate, only use money that remains after your essential commitments have been met and only gamble what you can afford to lose. Protect the money you have to sustain your family."
The financial implications of gambling are particularly stark among the youth. The StatsSA survey indicated that 36.4% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are currently not engaged in employment, education, or training. Given this context, the NGB pointed out findings from its own research, the 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in South Africa, which showed that gambling is most prevalent among individuals aged 25 to 34.
Moreover, the NGB noted that 54% of gamblers reported using their winnings to buy essential household items, while 43% rely on gambling profits to settle debts or bills. The board acknowledged that younger people experience disproportionately high levels of economic exclusion and warned them against viewing gambling as a form of income.
Dukwana emphasized, "We recognize the heavy burdens facing young people across the country. Our message is not one of judgment, but of protection. Gambling is an uncertain activity, and there is no guarantee of winning. It should never replace the pursuit of sustainable employment, education, or other legitimate opportunities for economic participation."
In its communication, the NGB also reminded the public to gamble only with licensed operators. To facilitate this, it highlighted the availability of its Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal, which enables users to verify the licensing status of gambling operators before engaging in any betting activities. The portal represents South Africa's first comprehensive resource for checking both land-based and online gambling licenses in one location.
