SARGF Launches “Taking Risks Wisely: Tertiary Edition” to Educate Students About Gambling Harm
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has officially launched a nationwide initiative to educate tertiary students about the risks associated with excessive gambling, which can lead to problem gambling or gambling addiction.
As online betting surges among South African youth, the SARGF is deeply concerned about the increasing trend of students viewing gambling as a financial solution. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, the Executive Director of the SARGF, highlights this misconception, stating: “We are increasingly seeing young people, particularly students facing financial pressure, becoming vulnerable to the illusion that gambling is a secondary income generator or a full-time ‘side hustle.’”
The rise of online betting among students has led many to wager their state-funded bursary allowances, such as those from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Instead of using these funds for living stipends and books, students are losing them to online sports betting and digital casinos. This trend not only undermines public investment in higher education but also exposes financially vulnerable students to escalating debt, anxiety, and severe gambling harm.
Clinical data from the 2025/2026 financial year underscores the urgency of this intervention. Out of 5,199 people assessed by the SARGF Counselling Helpline, 198 were tertiary students, an increase from 163 the previous year. Most concerningly, 51 students exhibited suicidal ideation, up from 38 in the 2024/2025 period. Additionally, among those receiving treatment, 2,670 individuals fell within the 18–35 age bracket, highlighting the vulnerability of youth in this demographic.
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Through the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), SARGF is implementing the initiative titled “Taking Risks Wisely: Tertiary Edition” (TRWTE). This comprehensive harm-reduction strategy is designed to empower students to manage their well-being responsibly, rather than solely pursuing high betting returns.
The program focuses on education and awareness initiatives aimed at informing students about the risks of excessive gambling and addiction. It also includes financial literacy programs that provide practical tools for stipend management and responsible decision-making. Additionally, the program seeks to strengthen institutional support by enhancing the capacity of universities to respond effectively to gambling-related issues through training psychosocial support structures. Finally, it establishes clear referral pathways to enable early intervention, ensuring that at-risk students can access free counselling and treatment services through the NRGP.
By emphasizing informed decision-making and responsible behaviors, the SARGF aims to provide a safety net for students facing intense social and financial pressures.
