The Impact of Gambling on Youth and What Communities Can Do

Jessica Matabola18 July , 2025

Gambling is a popular pastime in South Africa, with millions of people placing bets every year. However, the impact of gambling on youth is becoming a serious concern. Young people are especially vulnerable to the dangers of gambling, such as addiction, financial problems, and mental health struggles. To protect our youth, families, communities, and policymakers must understand these risks and work together to address them.

How Gambling Affects Youth

Online gambling platforms and betting shops have become easier to access than ever before. Gambling advertisements also make betting seem exciting and normal. These factors expose many young people to gambling, sometimes without them fully realising the risks.

Addiction and Mental Health

The biggest issue in the impact of gambling on youth is addiction. According to the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (RGF), about 5% of young gamblers show signs of problem gambling. This addiction can cause anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Many youth start gambling for fun or to make quick money. But when they lose repeatedly, they may try to win back money, which traps them in a harmful cycle. This addiction can ruin their schoolwork, relationships, and daily lives.

Money Troubles

Gambling often leads to financial hardship for youth. Many spend money they need for essentials or education on betting. They may even borrow or steal money to gamble, which worsens their problems.

A 2021 study published in the South African Journal of Psychology showed that gambling-related money problems often increase existing difficulties, especially in poorer communities.

Gambling also changes how young people behave and interact with others. The need to gamble can isolate them from family and friends or push them toward risky behaviours like drug use, skipping school, or breaking the law.

Why Do South African Youth Gamble?

Several reasons explain why youth gambling is common:

Easy access: Smartphones and the internet let young people gamble anytime.
Advertising: Gambling companies promote betting as fun and profitable.
Economic struggles: High youth unemployment makes gambling look like a quick money solution.
Lack of knowledge: Many youth don’t understand the dangers or how to gamble responsibly.

How Communities Can Help Reduce the Impact of Gambling on Youth

Communities play a key role in protecting young people from gambling harms. Families, schools, local groups, and health services can work together to raise awareness, provide support, and prevent problem gambling.

Educate and Raise Awareness

Education is powerful. Communities should organise talks, workshops, and media campaigns to teach youth about the risks of gambling and where to get help.

The Responsible Gambling Foundation and the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offer resources designed for youth education. Schools and community centres can partner with these groups to reach young people effectively.

Engage Families

Parents and guardians need to talk openly about gambling with their children. They should watch for signs like secrecy, mood changes, or missing money, which may indicate a gambling problem.

Families can set rules about gambling, monitor internet use, and encourage hobbies and activities that build self-esteem and keep youth busy.

Provide Support Services

Communities should ensure that young people have easy access to counselling and treatment for gambling issues. Helplines like the RGF’s 0800 006 008 and support groups offer vital help.

Local health services can include gambling addiction support in youth health programmes to reach more young people early.

Enforce Rules and Policies

Communities can support laws that restrict youth access to gambling and limit gambling ads targeting young people. They can work with authorities to monitor gambling venues and ensure they follow the National Gambling Act.

Building Stronger Communities for the Future

Dealing with the impact of gambling on youth requires a united community effort. By educating young people, supporting families, and enforcing regulations, communities can help youth avoid gambling harms.

It’s also important to address the bigger social problems, like poverty and unemployment, that push youth toward gambling. Offering better education and job opportunities will reduce the temptation to gamble as a way out.

By understanding the impact of gambling on youth and taking action together, South African communities can protect their young people and help them build healthier, brighter future