NPC Calls for Tighter Regulation of Gambling Advertising in South Africa
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has raised serious concerns about the growth and visibility of gambling advertising across South African media and digital platforms, warning that the trend poses significant social and economic risks. In a media statement released on 20 November 2025, the commission described the rise of gambling adverts as a growing problem that demands coordinated attention from government regulators, industry stakeholders, and civil society.
The NPC highlighted the rising number of gambling advertisements flooding South African media and digital platforms as a key area of concern. The commission observed that the sheer volume and reach of these adverts have the potential to normalize gambling behavior, particularly among youth and low-income households, increasing the likelihood of financial hardship and social disruption.
The commission also cited figures from the National Gambling Board’s 2023/24 Annual Report, noting that total bets placed across the country exceeded R1.14 trillion, with gross revenue from these bets totaling R59.3 billion. Such figures, the NPC stressed, underline the scale of gambling’s penetration into everyday life and the potential for harmful financial consequences. Many South Africans reportedly use borrowed funds, credit, or even personal assets to fund their gambling, with a notable portion experiencing financial difficulties as a direct result.
Drawing on Old Mutual’s 2025 Savings & Investment Monitor study, the commission reported that 1 in 5 South African gamblers turns to borrowing, credit, or selling personal belongings to fund their gambling. The study also indicated that a quarter of gamblers have experienced financial hardship, highlighting the pressing need for tighter regulations to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
“It seems that in the face of reckless and unchecked advertising, most South African gamblers do not know when to stop. If this trend is allowed free rein, the noble NDP goals of ending poverty, inequality and unemployment will be severely undermined. The Commission believes that responsible governance and commercial ethics must co-exist and supports calls for stronger regulation and oversight of predatory gambling advertising,” the NPC stated.
In its engagement with the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Communications, the NPC urged Parliament to take action against the unchecked proliferation of gambling adverts, noting that marketing increasingly targets sports, entertainment, and youth-oriented platforms, where exposure can encourage risky behavior.
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“Unchecked and pervasive gambling advertising poses significant social and economic risks and undermines national development goals,” the statement read.
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the NPC, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “We need a coordinated national response involving regulators, broadcasters, advertisers, civil society and academic partners to review and strengthen existing policies.”
The commission recommended concrete measures, including restricting advertisements during family-oriented programs, limiting influencer marketing, and increasing transparency for online gambling platforms. Hon Sangoni, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, welcomed these proposals and pledged to strengthen parliamentary oversight, integrating the NPC’s recommendations into ongoing legislative reforms for advertising and digital content.
