The Social Costs of Gambling Addiction and How Gauteng Is Responding

Jessica Matabola18 July , 2025

Gambling addiction is damaging lives across South Africa, especially in Gauteng. Easy access to casinos, betting shops, and online platforms makes it harder for people to avoid gambling even when they want to stop. What begins as fun quickly turns into a habit many cannot control.

While gambling is legal and often seen as entertainment, for some it becomes a serious addiction. Global research shows that around 2.3% of adults may struggle with problem gambling (source). In South Africa, demand for support services is growing, with Gauteng showing the highest concern.

ALSO READ: Signs and Help for Gambling Addiction in Gauteng

How Gambling Addiction Affects Society

Gambling addiction doesn’t just affect the gambler. It harms families, jobs, and communities. The emotional and financial damage spreads quickly.

Here’s how the effects show up:

Broken families
People addicted to gambling often lie, hide money problems, and ignore responsibilities. This creates conflict, breaks trust, and leads to separation or divorce.
Debt and financial collapse
Many gamblers take loans, sell assets, or borrow from loan sharks to cover their losses. Their families often suffer the financial fallout.
Crime and fraud
Some gamblers steal from loved ones or employers. One South African study found that 15% of problem gamblers had committed fraud or theft to fund their gambling (source).
Mental health issues
Gambling addiction often causes anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Many people don’t seek help until it’s too late.
Workplace problems
Some employees use company money to gamble. Others lose focus, miss deadlines, or even get fired. This leads to lost income and reputational damage.

Gambling in Gauteng: A Province at the Centre of the Crisis

Gambling in Gauteng is more common than anywhere else in the country. Casinos like Montecasino, Emperors Palace, and Gold Reef City operate alongside hundreds of online betting platforms.

The rise of mobile betting means people can now gamble from anywhere, 24/7. Many online sites operate outside South African laws, which makes regulation more difficult. With no one watching, people easily lose control and fall into debt.

How Gauteng Is Taking Action

Gauteng’s government, gambling regulators, and support groups are working together to reduce the harm caused by gambling. Their approach includes stronger laws, free counselling, public awareness, and self-help tools.

1. Stricter Gambling Rules

The Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) monitors all legal gambling activity in the province. It ensures that operators check IDs, record large transactions, and block underage gambling.

The board is now calling for tighter rules on online platforms, especially foreign sites that ignore South African laws.

2. Free Counselling and Treatment

The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offers free, confidential help to anyone affected by gambling addiction. Their services include:

Counselling for individuals and families
Therapy with trained professionals
Group support sessions
24-hour helpline: 0800 006 008
Online help through responsiblegambling.org.za

People across Gauteng use these services daily. Many recover with the right support.

3. Voluntary Self-Exclusion

People can choose to ban themselves from casinos or betting shops. This self-exclusion process blocks entry and prevents further gambling. The NRGP helps people register and follow through. It’s a powerful first step for those who want to take control.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns

Prevention starts with education. Every year, the NRGP runs awareness drives, especially during Responsible Gambling Month in November. These programmes target:

High schools and universities
Workplaces with vulnerable staff
Communities with high gambling activity

Radio ads, social media posts, and in-person talks help people recognise the risks before addiction starts.

5. Data and Research

The Gauteng Gambling Board works with researchers to track trends and understand who is most at risk. These studies help the province adjust its policies, fund support programmes, and strengthen regulation.

Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

It’s easier to help someone when you spot the signs early. Here’s what to look out for:

Hiding time or money spent gambling
Constant borrowing or asking for loans
Mood swings, anger, or restlessness
Skipping work or family events to gamble
Obsession with betting, even after losses

If you see these signs in someone or yourself, don’t wait. Call 0800 006 008 or visit responsiblegambling.org.za.

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Fighting gambling addiction takes more than government action. Families, schools, employers, and communities all need to speak openly about the risks. When more people understand the warning signs, they can step in earlier before gambling destroys another life.

CHECK OUT: Gauteng’s Gambling Addiction Support Systems: Are They Enough in 2025?

In Closing

Gambling in Gauteng continues to grow, but so does the harm it causes. The good news is that help is available, and it’s free. With tighter laws, professional support, and greater public awareness, Gauteng is starting to fight back. But the work is far from over.

Let’s keep the conversation going and protect the lives being lost to gambling addiction.