Gambling for Fun vs Income: Where Do You Draw the Line?

Jessica Matabola3 August , 2025

Gambling for fun vs. income is a growing topic of interest in South Africa. With more people trying their luck on sports bets, casinos, and online games, it’s important to understand when a harmless hobby can tip over into risky territory. Drawing a clear line is vital for personal well-being and financial health.

Understanding Gambling for Fun

In most cases, South Africans approach gambling as a social activity or a form of entertainment. You might join a family Lotto pool, bet on a Springboks match with friends, or visit a casino on a special occasion. The key difference in recreational gambling is that players set limits, play with disposable income, and view any losses as the price of entertainment.

Deloitte’s latest South African Gambling Market Analysis confirms that most people in the country gamble for fun. According to the National Gambling Board, gross gambling revenue topped R59.3 billion in 2023/24, much of it driven by social betting and lottery play. For many, gambling is woven into everyday culture without leading to harm.

ALSO READ: Street Gambling in Gauteng: Legal or Not?

When Gambling Shifts to Income

Problems start when gambling stops being fun and becomes a way to earn money or escape financial stress. This shift is often subtle. It might begin with chasing a big win to pay off debts or relying on betting to boost income. Research in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that some young South Africans spend up to 25% of their salaries on gambling in hopes of making money.

Dr. Luke Clark, director at the Cambridge Gambling Research Centre, warns:

“Those who gamble for income often believe they can beat the odds or control the outcome, even when it’s pure chance.”

This mindset, called the illusion of control, can quickly spiral into risky behaviour, financial distress, and even addiction.

Signs You’re Crossing the Line

Recognising the difference between gambling for fun vs. income is the first step to staying safe. Ask yourself:

Am I betting more than I can afford to lose?
Do I find myself trying to win back lost money?
Is gambling my main way of dealing with stress or money worries?
Am I borrowing to gamble or using money meant for essentials?

If you answer “yes” to any of these, your gambling could be moving from fun into risky territory. The Deloitte report notes that people who gamble for income are at greater risk of family conflict, debt, and mental health challenges.

The Real-World Impact

Gambling for income doesn’t just affect your bank balance. Research from Raybould et al. (2021) shows that people in lower-income households are more likely to experience gambling-related harm, from emotional stress to missed bills and strained relationships. Experts at UCLA Health warn that chasing losses or seeing gambling as a financial solution increases the risk of addiction and can have long-term consequences for families.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

So, how can you enjoy gambling while staying on the right side of the line?

Set a clear budget and stick to it, never gamble money needed for bills or daily needs.
Treat all losses as the cost of fun, not a setback to be recovered.
Take regular breaks, and avoid gambling when stressed or upset.
Use self-exclusion tools or seek support if gambling stops feeling like entertainment.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation and National Gambling Board both offer support and advice for anyone worried about their gambling habits.

Expert Advice: Keep Entertainment Front and Centre

Dr. Clark from Cambridge stresses that responsible gamblers recognise the element of chance. They play for fun, not as a financial fix. Experts from Deloitte and the National Gambling Board agree: gambling is safest when treated as a leisure activity, not an income strategy.

In South Africa, gambling for fun can be a safe, enjoyable pastime if you set limits and stay aware. But when the goal shifts from enjoyment to making money, the risks rise sharply. By understanding the difference and taking early action, you can keep gambling positive and avoid the dangers that come with chasing income.