"Only 12% of South African players have asked for help" -problem gambling?
A report by InfoQuest reveals that South African players are under mounting financial pressure. According to the April 2025 survey, 63% of players use money meant for essentials such as food, rent, or savings. For many, gambling has shifted from a leisure activity to a routine monthly expensehalf of those surveyed said they actively budget for it, treating bets with the same seriousness as utility bills.
This shift carries serious consequences. One in three players said they use their winnings to keep playing, fuelling a perilous cycle of chasing losses. Borrowing to fund betting is also common: 16% of players surveyed admitted theyve done it. Shame, denial, and the stigma surrounding these behaviours mean dependence on gambling often goes unreported, obscuring the full scale of the crisis.
The psychological toll and loss of control
Financial stress is often a reflection of emotional stress. even when they had no money. Young adults, particularly those in the 18-34 age group, are most at risk, both in their failure to manage their gambling habits and in their pursuit of loss-chasing. Such a collapse of self-control not only endangers mental well-being but also exposes people to falling into debt cycles with devastating effects on families and society.
Help-seeking remains alarmingly low
Despite clear warning signs, few players reach out for assistance. Only 12% have ever asked for help. Just 7% are currently seeking it. Another 10% have thought about it but havent taken any steps. That leaves 67% the overwhelming majority who have never considered reaching out. Those who have sought help most often turned to family or friends rather than professionals, underscoring widespread uncertainty about where to find appropriate support.
Cultural stigma and scepticism
In South Africa, mental health and behavioural support services carry a stigma, and even more so when linked to gambling. Many dont believe help will make a difference; some simply dont know what services are available. A LinkedIn poll conducted by the reports author asked: Whats the most effective way to promote responsible gambling? Out of 49 votes, 39% chose in-game messaging and spending limits; educational content followed with 29%; regulation came in at 24%; and only 8% of respondents selected player self-exclusion tools. That 8% suggests a deep-seated disbelief in self-control measures and a perception that support tools are mere PR exercises rather than genuine safety nets.
Learning from international experience
Beyond South Africa, there is scepticism towards responsible gambling tools globally. found that many players think operator-provided tools are not genuine. They view them as being in conflict with operators business interests, diluting self-exclusion programmes and spending limits. Building faith in support options will be crucial if those experiencing harm are to step forward and access help before reaching a crisis point.
Responsible gambling: a path forward
The data demand more than regulatory tweaks; they call for empathetic, visible, and practical interventions. Responsible gambling messaging should be more than fine printit must be woven into the player experience with clear, accessible guidance. Self-exclusion programmes need to be easy to find, simple to use, and accompanied by reassurance that seeking help carries no stigma. Educational campaigns must go beyond slogans, offering real-world examples, practical budgeting tools, and stories of recovery that resonate with everyday South Africans.
Africas industry potential and its responsibility
As gambling markets mature across Africa, the stakes extend beyond national borders. The continents burgeoning digital connectivity and mobile-first populations offer enormous growth opportunities. Yet, without responsible practices, this potential could fuel broader social and economic harm. Industry leaders, regulators, and civil society must collaborate on a balanced approach: one that allows innovation in sports betting and online gaming while prioritising consumer protection and support infrastructure.
The numbers dont lie: South African players are risking essentials, losing self-restraint, and rarely asking for help. Only by normalising support, eliminating stigma, and designing tools that people trust can we avert a bigger crisis.
