South Africa's National Gambling Board has issued a warning to bettors following the release of unemployment figures showing a rise to 33.6% in Q2 2026, up from 32.7% the previous quarter. The regulator urged South Africans to treat betting as entertainment rather than a way out of financial hardship.
Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana said households under pressure should prioritise essentials — food, housing, transport, education, debt repayment — before spending on betting. 'Only wager money left after covering necessary expenses, and only what you can afford to lose,' Dukwana said.
The issue is most acute among young people. Statistics South Africa reported that 36.4% of South Africans aged 15–24 are not in employment, education or training. Meanwhile, the NGB's 2023/24 study found the most active betting demographic was the 25–34 age group. 54% of players use winnings to buy essentials, and 43% to pay off debts and bills.
The regulator stressed that gambling should not replace the search for stable employment, education or other legitimate income sources. The NGB also reminded players to use only licensed operators and pointed to its Verified Gambling Operators web portal, which allows users to check an operator's licence status before playing. The portal consolidates data on land-based and some online licences — the first such effort in South Africa.
