South Africa Warns of Rising Gambling Harm as Mobile Betting Grows

South Africa’s National Gambling Board has raised fresh concerns about the impact of mobile betting as gambling becomes increasingly accessible through smartphones.

The regulator says the ability to place bets at any time, combined with easy payment methods and regular promotions, can make it harder for vulnerable players to control how often they gamble and how much they spend.

Mobile Betting Changes How South Africans Gamble

Gambling no longer requires a visit to a betting shop or casino. Players can now access sportsbooks and other betting products directly from their phones, making gambling available around the clock.

Acting National Gambling Board CEO Lungile Dukwana warned that this level of access is changing gambling behaviour and creating additional risks for people already vulnerable to problem gambling.

Mobile technology has made the process quicker too. Deposits can be made almost instantly, bets placed within seconds and promotions delivered directly to a player’s device.

That convenience may be useful for recreational bettors, but it also removes many of the natural breaks that previously existed between gambling sessions.

South African Gambler Reveals Cost of Addiction

The human impact was highlighted by South African gambler Sbonelo Mabena, who told local media that gambling had cost him his car, clothes and almost his home.

Mabena said he began gambling in 2020 after seeing a friend win money.

What started as entertainment gradually became more difficult to control, with gambling taking up an increasing amount of his attention and income.

He now tries to limit himself to R100 a month, although he admitted that sticking to the limit can still be difficult.

What Is Driving the Concern? 

Illegal Gambling Remains Another Major Concern

The NGB’s warning comes as South African authorities continue to target illegal gambling operators.

Licensed online sports betting is permitted through provincially regulated bookmakers, but online casino gambling remains prohibited under current South African law.

The regulator has repeatedly warned consumers against using offshore casino sites that are not licensed to offer gambling in South Africa.

Authorities have also been stepping up efforts to identify and restrict illegal operators, including working with provincial regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Financial Pressure Can Increase the Risks

The warning is particularly relevant as many South African households continue to face financial pressure.

Gambling becomes significantly more dangerous when players begin seeing it as a way to supplement income or recover previous losses.

The National Gambling Board has urged consumers to protect money needed for household expenses and to treat betting as entertainment rather than a source of income.

The combination of financial stress and constant access through mobile devices can make it especially difficult for some people to maintain control.

Help Is Available for Problem Gambling

South Africans who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to manage can contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme.

The programme offers confidential support through its 24-hour toll-free helpline on 0800 006 008, while assistance is also available through WhatsApp.

Players can also request self-exclusion, which allows them to block themselves from gambling with licensed operators for a specified period.

For regulators, the challenge is increasingly not simply whether people gamble, but how easily and frequently gambling can now fit into everyday life.