Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 Opens in Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg’s Emperors Palace buzzed with energy as the Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, organised by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), opened its doors on 13 November. Regulators, educators, and industry leaders gathered to discuss the rapid growth of South Africa’s gambling industry and the responsibilities that come with it.
The summit began with opening remarks from Adv Joe Nalane SC, SARGF Board Chairperson, who welcomed over 400 delegates. He highlighted a notable shift in the industry where responsible gambling is no longer a sidebar but a central concern for the industry. “I’ve witnessed a vital shift in the industry, where responsible gambling is no longer on the sidelines but is now at the very heart of the industry’s agenda,” he said. “This growing commitment is becoming more nuanced and proactive, and I am glad to see the industry embracing this responsibility with the seriousness it warrants.”
South Africa’s gambling industry has continued to expand at a remarkable pace. In 2024/25, the sector generated over R1.5 trillion in turnover and R75 billion in gross gambling revenue (GGR), with 60% stemming from online betting. It supports over 33,000 direct jobs and contributes 0.83% to the country’s GDP. However, this rapid growth brings serious social challenges: a 31% problem gambling prevalence rate and the rise of illegal gambling highlight the sector’s potential risks alongside its economic benefits.
Read Also: South Africa’s Gambling industry Surges to ZAR75Billion as Lawmakers Sound Alarm Over Black Market
Against this backdrop, Lungile Dukwana, Acting CEO of the National Gambling Board (NGB), underscored the delicate balance between economic opportunity and social responsibility. South Africa’s gambling industry, he noted, continues to grow rapidly — but that growth must not come at the cost of public wellbeing. “While we consider the economic impact of gambling, our foremost responsibility is to protect society and ensure fair, responsible practices,” he said. Reflecting this stance, the NGB has expanded its education and awareness programs to reach over 3 million people, while strengthening regulation, stakeholder collaboration, and harm minimisation across the sector.
The summit also highlighted research into gambling behaviour. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of SARGF, shared findings showing how age, income, gender, province, education, and advertising exposure influence betting habits and vulnerability to problem gambling. Her research underlined that problem gambling is not just an individual issue but a community concern, requiring targeted awareness campaigns, prevention programs, and informed policy interventions. While the study had some limitations, reliance on self-reported data, a cross-sectional snapshot, and underrepresentation of some communities, it offers crucial guidance for regulators, educators, and the industry.
Youth gambling was another focus. Sanele Zondi, Secretary-General of Technical & Vocational Education and Training College Governors’ Council (TVETCGC), drew attention to students using stipends for online betting, stressing the impact on both social and educational wellbeing. Through a new MoU with SARGF, colleges will now introduce staff training and research programs to create a safety net for students. “Our colleges are not just centres of learning, they are spaces where skills meet ethics, and where innovation, entrepreneurship, and repair services shape the future workforce,” Zondi said. He reminded young South Africans that their education is worth far more than any bet.
Klaas Mokaba of the Department of Trade and Industry reiterated that online gambling remains illegal and cautioned against advertising that downplays its risks. He emphasized the need for collaboration across provinces and agencies to protect vulnerable communities, while noting that progressive measures are being explored to regulate gambling advertising and enhance public awareness.
