Festive-Season gambling risks highlighted as experts urge caution

Gambling may seem harmless during the festive season, but growing financial pressure and emotional stress can quickly turn it into a problem.

This is the warning from Dr Khosana Tladi, the Tshwane University of Technology’s Director of Transformation, Employment Equity and Diversity (TEED), who urges both colleagues and students to avoid the temptation of gambling and make wiser financial choices.

“Gambling might seem like innocent fun at first, but it could easily turn into a problem for many people. The festive season brings financial pressure and emotional stress, which can increase risky gambling behaviour. My advice to colleagues and students is to rather avoid gambling completely and use their money wisely. Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of age, background or income. Early intervention can prevent financial loss, relationship breakdowns or mental health harm,” said Dr Tladi.

His message underscores ongoing national efforts to encourage responsible behaviour during a season when gambling activity traditionally increases.

Supporting a statement by the National Gambling Board issued today, he also emphasised that online gambling is illegal in South Africa, except for bets placed on licensed operators’ online platforms. Any online casino, betting app offering gambling outside of horse racing or sports betting, or offshore platform not licensed in South Africa, is operating unlawfully.

Illegal gambling websites often appear legitimate and aggressively target South Africans through social media, SMS, WhatsApp groups, or influencer marketing. The public should be cautious because illegal operators do not reliably pay out winnings, consumers have no legal protection, winnings may be forfeited, participation is a criminal offence and funds support unlawful operations that undermine South Africa’s regulated gambling sector.

Only gambling operators with a valid provincial licence issued by a Provincial Licensing Authority (PLA) are authorised to offer gambling services in the country.

Dr Tladi urges families, communities and individuals to look out for early signs of problematic gambling. These include spending more time and money than intended, chasing losses, borrowing money, hiding gambling behaviour, neglecting responsibilities, feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble and using gambling to escape stress.

He highlighted that help is available to any individual and families affected by gambling harm. In addition to the South Africa Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) that offers free and confidential help, TUT staff and students can also contact SADAG for assistance and support.

SADAG 24-hour helpline for TUT staff – 0800 004 333

SADAG 24-hour helpline for TUT students – 080 068 7888

SARGF Services 24-hour counselling line - 0800 006 008, WhatsApp or SMS on 076 675 0710 or email at counsellor@responsiblegambling.co.za.

With greater vigilance from the public and regulators, South Africa can work toward a safer gambling environment during the festive season and beyond.