The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has expressed growing concern over the harmful effects of sports gambling on mental health, particularly among young South Africans.
According to SASOP, what begins as entertainment is increasingly leading to serious mental health conditions such as depression, addiction, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviour. The organisation revealed that during the 2024/25 financial year, referrals for treatment among people aged 18 to 35 increased sharply from 787 to 2,034 cases.
Data from helpline reports showed that 40% of callers said they could not stop gambling without professional help, 32% faced financial hardship, and 13% had legal problems. Many also reported alcohol or drug abuse.
The National Gambling Board has noted a surge in sports betting, with South Africans wagering R761 billion in 2023/24 — a 76% increase year-on-year. Online and mobile betting platforms accounted for two-thirds of all gambling expenditure, surpassing casinos and bingo outlets.
SASOP has welcomed the Gambling Board’s plans to strengthen regulations protecting vulnerable groups from the adverse effects of gambling.
As the country marks Responsible Gambling Month this November, the organisation urged anyone struggling with gambling addiction to seek immediate professional help.
