Headline sponsor of the premier soccer division, Betway and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) have partnered to promote responsible gambling.
November is recognised as National Responsible Gambling Month.
During a media briefing alongside the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) at the PSL headquarters in Parktown, they appealed to consumers to gamble responsibly on the online sport betting platforms.
Betway CEO Laurence Michel emphasised their responsibility to educate the public about safer betting.
“Through our partnership with the PSL, Betway remains committed to its objective of encouraging responsible gambling across all its platforms.
We therefore reiterate our messaging of Bet Responsibly to all football fans and our customers during the month of November and beyond,” said Michel.
According to the SARGF, an increased number of South Africans are using online betting as a source of income.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Sibongile Simelane-Ountana warned that gambling can be addictive and said they’ll embark on an awareness drive throughout the Betway Premiership November fixtures.
“The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation’s mandate is to prioritise the well-being of gamblers and their families by leading advocacy and raising awareness about responsible gambling.
Collaborating with Betway and the PSL during National Responsible Gambling Month is part of our effort to highlight not only the potential risks of the problem gambling but also the availability of free support services, such as counselling and treatment, for those facing gambling addiction,” reiterated Simelani-Ountana.
Earlier this year SA’s leading online research company released a study which found a spike in gambling activities amongst the youth.
According to the study, online gaming and sports betting are the most popular, playing the lotto comes in third place, while horse betting and gambling in casinos is the least preferred.
It further revealed that 39% of the group aged between 18-34 years-old, use their winnings to gamble again whereas 30% claim they use excess funds to engage in betting activities.
The study attributed this to the interest of youth in quick financial gains and recreational purposes amongst other reasons.
Addicted gamblers are advised to seek free council and assistance through the National Responsible Gambling Programme.
