South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has urged households to protect money needed for essential expenses as unemployment increased during the second quarter of 2026. The regulator said people should treat gambling as entertainment and avoid relying on betting to address income shortages or financial difficulties.
Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey showed the official unemployment rate rising from 32.7% in the first quarter to 33.6% in the second. The number of unemployed people reached about 8.5 million, an increase of 345,000 from the previous quarter. Employment fell to approximately 16.7 million, 16,000 fewer than in the preceding quarter.
Young people face particularly difficult conditions. The survey found that 36.4% of South Africans aged 15 to 24 were neither employed nor in education or training.
Gambling Participation Raises Financial Concerns
The NGB’s 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in South Africa study highlights another area of concern. Gambling participation was highest among people aged 25 to 34, with 77% of respondents in that group reporting that they gamble. The same age group accounted for 55% of identified problem gamblers.
The research also examined how players use gambling winnings. More than half, or 54%, said they use winnings to purchase basic household necessities, while 43% reported using them to pay debts or bills. The study also found that some participants gamble to compensate for lost income, which the research identified as a concern.
The NGB warned that financial pressure can make the possibility of a quick gambling return appear attractive, while losses and attempts to recover those losses can worsen financial distress.
Lungile Dukwana, the NGB’s acting chief executive officer, said: “The latest figures highlight the difficult circumstances facing many South African households and, during times such as these, every rand matters.”
He added: “Food, accommodation, transport, education and debt repayments must come before gambling. If you choose to participate, only use money that remains after your essential commitments have been met and only gamble what you can afford to lose. Protect the money you have to sustain your family.”
Board Highlights Risks Facing Younger Players
The NGB has placed particular emphasis on young South Africans because of their high level of economic exclusion. It urged them to avoid treating sports betting or other gambling activities as an alternative route to earning money.
“We recognise the heavy burdens facing young people across the country. Our message is not one of judgement, but of protection,” Dukwana said.
He continued: “Gambling is an uncertain activity and there is no guarantee of winning. It should never replace the pursuit of sustainable employment, education or other legitimate opportunities for economic participation.”
The regulator also reminded people who choose to gamble to use operators that hold legal licences in South Africa. Its Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal allows the public to check whether an operator is licensed before participating.
The NGB also said free, confidential counselling and treatment support remains available around the clock through the National Responsible Gambling Programme for people experiencing financial distress or gambling-related difficulties.
Source:
“The National Gambling Board Urges South Africans To Protect Household Income Amid Rising Unemployment Pressures”, ngb.org.za, August 13, 2026
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