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According to the North West Gambling Board, in the last financial year, 4,662 people sought treatment and counselling for gambling addiction
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation has raised concerns about the increasing trend of minors engaging in illegal gambling in the North West province.
Speaking on the sidelines of the North West Gambling Board’s responsible gambling public outreach in Sannieshof, the Foundation also highlighted the socio-economic risks associated with gambling addiction, especially among vulnerable groups.
WATCH | South African Responsible Gambling Foundation Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana unpacks growing concerns over irresponsible gambling, online betting trends and their impact on consumers. pic.twitter.com/onqS2Nc9DL
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 15, 2026
“Gambling addiction has grown; we’ve seen that over the years. In the last financial year, we had 4,662 people call in seeking treatment and counselling for gambling addiction. In the North West, specifically in Rustenburg, Mahikeng, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, we’ve seen many minors under 18 engaging in illegal gambling,” says the Foundation’s Lebogang Seoheng.
These people who gamble say they have lost fortunes due to online gambling.
“I’ve been gambling for seven years. I don’t win, and I buy vouchers all the time. It’s all I think about. All I need is R100000 and I’ll be fine,” says a gambler.
WATCH | National Gambling Board Acting CEO, Lungile Dukwana, says there’s a need to educate people about gambling, adding that many people are now using gambling as a source of income rather than just a recreational activity. In 2024 the sector made R75-billion in revenue. pic.twitter.com/plIctNXjk2
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 20, 2025
“I started gambling in 2023. I used to lose about R300 to R500, and I would use the money to buy gambling vouchers. I was really addicted, but I managed to pull myself out,” says another gambler.
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