Rise Mzansi has urged the government to tackle South Africa's rising gambling crisis by introducing reforms to transform the industry.

The political party cited a study by the Nation Gambling Board (NGB) which saw an almost eight-time increase in those seeking help from gambling addiction or related problems.

"The gambling crisis, which seemingly no government department or cabinet minister wants to act against, has seen an almost eight-fold increase in the number of people seeking assistance," said Rise Mzansi.

Between 2020 to 2021, 375 'problem gamblers' sought help and counselling from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF).

Problem gamblers are those who continue to gamble in spite of harm and unfavourable outcomes. If specific diagnostic criteria are met, problem gambling may be classified as a mental disease under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is a prevalent disorder linked to societal and familial consequences and is called pathological gambling.

"This number shot up dramatically to 2,997 in 2023/2024, according to a study by the NGB's annual report covering the same period. There has been an equally dramatic increase in those assisted or referred for treatment under the category of relapsed patients."

Additionally, there has been a rise in problem gamblers since the Covid-19 pandemic.

"While the aforementioned numbers seem minuscule, it is worth reiterating that in 2023/2024, South Africans spent R1 trillion on gambling activities, primarily on online betting," Rise Mzansi continued.

"The growing number in people seeking help for gambling addiction can be attributed to a confluence of aggressive advertising by online gambling companies and increased levels of unemployment and poverty."

Responsible gaming and internet research firm InfoQuest expressed concerns in July 2024 after studies showed a rise in underage online gaming.

"The accessibility of online gambling platforms means that gambling is now an activity that can be conducted at home and anywhere," said the organisation's managing director, Claire Heckrath.

Echoing the same sentiments, the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) said that young people are inundated with gambling ads.

"Youth today are growing up with gambling all around them - on phones, in communities, even among friends. Gambling at a young age increases the risk of addiction. If you're worried about a loved one's gambling, please call 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp 076 675 0710 for help," said the GGB.

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