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Gambling machines at a casino.
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has warned of the negative impact of gambling on mental health.
November marks responsible gambling month; however, statistics paint a grim picture of the impact of excessive gambling on South Africans.
The National Responsible Gambling Programme reported a 623 percent increase from 140 000 to over 1 million in calls to its toll-free helpline year-on-year.
SASOP’s Doctor Mahlatse Thosago says, “So there has been a significant impact on South Africans’ mental health with regard to sports betting, where a South African study found that more than 40% of callers to the National Responsible Gambling Program’s toll-free helpline said they felt unable to stop gambling without professional help. Thirty-two percent were experiencing financial problems due to gambling, and 13% reported legal issues. At the same time, 14% were receiving help for other mental conditions. Eleven percent reported alcohol abuse, and 6% were using illicit drugs.”
VIDEO | Mental health of sports betting:
