A South African non-profit organisation is calling on the government to urgently update South Africa’s outdated gambling laws. The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) says the country’s current gambling laws no longer protect people from the growing risks of gambling addiction, especially in the digital age.
With more people gambling online through their phones and computers, the foundation believes it’s time for legislation that reflects how betting works today, not how it worked two decades ago.
ALSO READ: Gauteng’s Gambling Addiction Support Systems: Are They Enough in 2025?
Why the Laws Are Outdated
South Africa’s main gambling law, the National Gambling Act of 2004, was written before online and mobile gambling became widespread. While it covers physical casinos and betting shops, it doesn’t properly regulate digital gambling platforms, including international sites that target South Africans.
This gap in the law means many online platforms operate without licences, making it hard for the government to monitor their activity, collect tax, or protect consumers from fraud or addiction. As a result, South Africa’s outdated gambling laws are leaving both the government and the public exposed.
Addiction Is a Growing Concern
According to SABC News, FARR is deeply concerned about the rise in gambling addiction, especially among vulnerable people. Dr Henk van Rooyen, a representative from the foundation, said gambling addiction is often overlooked — but it has serious social and financial effects.
Online gambling makes it easy for people to bet at any time of day, often in secret. With just a few taps on a phone, someone can lose hundreds or even thousands of rand without fully realising the consequences.
Because there’s not enough regulation, people struggling with gambling addiction often fall through the cracks. There aren’t enough support services in place, and awareness is still low in many communities.
Young People Are at Risk
The foundation is especially worried about how easy it is for children and teenagers to access gambling websites. Many online platforms don’t have strong age checks, and gambling ads often appear on websites, apps, and social media platforms used by young people.
Without better protection, more youth are being exposed to gambling at an early age. Some develop harmful habits that can carry on into adulthood.
The foundation believes South Africa’s outdated gambling laws must be updated to include better age restrictions, advertising rules, and education programmes for families and schools.
What the Foundation Is Calling For
FARR is urging the government to take immediate action by creating a new national strategy to manage gambling more effectively. They are calling for:
- A full update of South Africa’s outdated gambling laws
- Stricter rules for online gambling, including local licensing and age checks
- Public education campaigns about gambling risks
- More support services for people battling gambling addiction
- Community-based prevention programmes
They believe this approach will help reduce gambling-related harm while still allowing safe and responsible gambling where it’s properly managed.
Learning from Other Countries
Other nations have already recognised the dangers of unregulated online gambling and taken action. Countries like the United Kingdom and Australia have introduced tighter restrictions, such as:
- Limits on gambling ads
- Better identity checks to prevent underage access
- Tools to help users control how much they spend
- Industry-funded treatment programmes for addiction
South Africa, the foundation argues, should follow suit and develop modern laws that meet the needs of today’s digital world.
A Wake-Up Call for Policymakers
Despite warnings from experts and community organisations, progress on reforming South Africa’s outdated gambling laws has been slow. Past attempts to change the system have faced delays, often due to bureaucracy or resistance from powerful gambling industry players.
FARR warns that the longer the country waits, the worse the situation will become. They say this is not just a health issue — it’s also an economic and social one, especially for low-income communities already facing hardship.
By ignoring the problem, the country risks a rise in gambling-related debt, mental health struggles, family conflict, and even crime.
MORE READ: From Betting Shops to Blockchain: The Evolution of Gambling Payment Methods in Gauteng
It’s Time for Change
The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research has sent a clear message: South Africa’s outdated gambling laws are no longer good enough. The way people gamble has changed, and the law must change too.
Reforming these laws will help protect young people, reduce gambling addiction, and give the government the power to regulate the industry more fairly. With strong political will, collaboration, and updated legislation, South Africa can build a safer, more responsible gambling environment for everyone.
