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Dice used in gambling.
Illegal gambling remains a persistent problem in South Africa, according to the latest study by StatsSA.
Illegal gambling encompasses various unregulated activities, primarily online gambling and unauthorised casinos, posing significant challenges to law enforcement and the economy.
South African Responsible Gambling Foundation Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana says banning gambling is not the answer.
“Saying gambling that is troubling many, must be closed, would be a grave mistake because as of now, we are dealing with illegal gambling. You see the people we are speaking about, such as spaza shops that allow children to gamble; imagine if we say it is illegal. Remember during COVID-19 when the sale of cigarettes was banned, underground it started to mushroom. So banning is not an answer because what we are going to start seeing are all the illegalities coming forward and actually doubling. We are already battling with illegal sides of gambling.
#PersonalServiceZA || Within the recreation, sport & culture group of products (weight of 2,86%), gambling dominates, taking just over half of household spending. Gym fees trail far behind at 5,9%.
🔗: https://t.co/33D36Z7qFc#StatsSA #KnowYourStatsZA #ZAincome #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/6ZYm2wORy1
— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) September 8, 2025
