Gambling with Essentials: Most South Africans Don’t Seek Help as Financial Strain Mounts

A growing number of South Africans are gambling with money meant for essentials like food and rent — and very few are asking for help.

That’s the alarming picture painted by a recent InfoQuest report on gambling behaviour in South Africa, based on an April 2025 survey. While participation in gambling has dipped slightly, those who do gamble are showing signs of rising financial pressure, emotional distress, and a deep reluctance to seek support.

When Gambling Becomes a Monthly Expense

The survey revealed a troubling shift: 63% of gamblers admitted they use money meant for basic needs to fund their habit. For many, gambling has moved beyond entertainment — it’s now treated like a regular monthly expense. In fact, 50% of respondents said they actively budget for it.

This normalisation masks a more serious concern: rising dependency. About 15% of those surveyed said they couldn’t resist the urge to gamble, even when they had no money — with this behaviour more common among adults aged 18 to 34.

Even more concerning is that one in three gamblers use their winnings not to save or pay off debt, but to continue gambling — a cycle that increases the risk of financial ruin.

Borrowing to Gamble And Staying Silent About It

Sixteen percent of respondents said they’ve borrowed money to gamble. But experts say this figure is likely underreported. Shame and stigma often prevent people from admitting the true extent of their gambling behaviour.

Despite these warning signs, support systems remain largely untapped. Only 12% of gamblers have ever asked for help. Just 7% are currently seeking it. Another 10% have thought about it, but haven’t followed through. That leaves a staggering 67% who have never considered seeking help at all.

Support Exists — But It’s Not Trusted or Used

Most who do seek help turn to family and friends rather than professional services. The low uptake reflects not just stigma, but a lack of trust and visibility around mental health and behavioural support in South Africa — especially when tied to gambling.

Mduduzi Mbiza, founder of Izmu, a platform that promotes responsible gambling education, believes this is more than a personal issue — it’s a cultural one. “We can’t expect people to reach rock bottom before they get support. Support must be visible, easy to access, and free of shame,” Mbiza says.

Poll Results: Tools Exist, But Belief in Them Doesn’t

In a recent LinkedIn poll conducted by Mbiza, only 8% of respondents said self-exclusion tools were effective. The most popular option — chosen by 39% — was in-game messaging and spending limits. This suggests people are sceptical about the tools meant to protect them, especially those that rely on self-control.

This scepticism isn’t limited to South Africa. A 2025 report by the UK Gambling Commission found similar doubts, with many viewing responsible gambling tools as little more than public relations tactics.

A Call for a Cultural Reset

What South Africa needs, says Mbiza, is a reset in how support is offered. That means not just better-designed tools, but more human-centred, real-world solutions. Messaging should be upfront, not hidden in fine print. Resources should be relatable and easy to access, not overwhelming or confusing.

Education matters — but only if it’s grounded in honesty and lived experience. “Telling people to gamble responsibly without showing them how — or without giving them tools that work — isn’t enough,” Mbiza says.

This Is a Silent Crisis

Gambling in South Africa is becoming a financial and psychological burden for many — particularly for younger people. And while the behaviour may be easy to hide, the impact is not. If the stigma and silence around seeking help aren’t addressed, the country risks facing a deepening crisis, not just of finances, but of faith — in systems, in support, and in self-control.

{Source: Mail & Gaurdian

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