National Gambling Board Warns South Africans Against Quick Fix

Kyle Kevin

iGaming Writer

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National Gambling Board warns South Africans against using betting as quick fix for financial issues as unemployment hits 33.6% in Q2 2026.

National Gambling Board warns South Africans against using betting as quick fix for financial issues. With unemployment on the rise in South Africa during Q2, the NGB has called for bettors to view gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income. The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has warned betting shouldn’t be viewed as a solution for financial issues, after a study revealed rising unemployment in the country.

Q2 Unemployment Spike to 33.6%

On Thursday the NGB released a statement calling for South Africans to “exercise caution” when gambling and to view it as entertainment rather than as a way to pull themselves out of financial hardship. According to Statistics South Africa’s (StatsSA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q2 2026, unemployment has risen to 33.6% from 32.7% in Q1.

Lungile Dukwana, acting CEO of the NGB, said the financial pressures facing South African households mean consumers should ensure their basic needs are covered before spending money on gambling. “The latest figures highlight the difficult circumstances facing many South African households and, during times such as these, every rand matters,” Dukwana said.

“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.” The NGB’s message is clear: gambling is not a financial rescue.

Youth Economic Exclusion Risks

The effects are particularly apparent for the 15-24 age group, with the StatsSA survey finding 36.4% of that category are neither in employment, education nor training. With that in consideration, the NGB highlighted its own study – 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in South Africa – which found gambling participation was highest among South Africans aged between 25 and 34.

The NGB’s study also revealed 54% of gamblers indicated they use winnings from betting to purchase basic household necessities, while 43% use gambling profits to pay debts or bills. With the NGB noting younger people “continue to experience disproportionately high levels of economic exclusion”, the board warned against viewing gambling as a form of income.

“We recognise the heavy burdens facing young people across the country. Our message is not one of judgment, but of protection,” Dukwana declared. “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.” AGBrief covers regional gaming developments, but this specific analysis comes from the NGB.

Gambling as Household Income

The NGB’s study also revealed 54% of gamblers indicated they use winnings from betting to purchase basic household necessities, while 43% use gambling profits to pay debts or bills. This reliance on betting for essential income highlights the dangerous correlation between unemployment and gambling dependency. The board warns against viewing gambling as a form of income.

“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 NGB’s message is one of protection, not judgment. The financial pressures facing South African households require consumers to ensure their basic needs are covered before spending money on gambling.

The NGB also reminded South Africans to only gamble with licensed operators, highlighting the availability of its Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal. The portal allows bettors to check the licence status of a gambling operator before they play with them. Dukwana previously explained the portal was South Africa’s first comprehensive attempt to display both land-based and certain online gambling licences in a single location.

Verified Operators Portal

The NGB also reminded South Africans to only gamble with licensed operators, highlighting the availability of its Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal. The portal allows bettors to check the licence status of a gambling operator before they play with them. Dukwana previously explained the portal was South Africa’s first comprehensive attempt to display both land-based and certain online gambling licences in a single location.

This portal provides a critical safeguard for consumers in a market where unemployment is rising. By verifying operators, bettors ensure they are engaging with regulated entities that adhere to responsible gaming standards. The NGB’s warning against using betting as a quick fix for financial issues remains the primary directive.

“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.” The NGB’s statement calls for South Africans to “exercise caution” when gambling.

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