The South African Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, set to take place on November 13 and 14 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, is poised to confront the intricate balance between the burgeoning profits of the gambling industry and the potential repercussions for vulnerable communities.
Lungile Dukwana, the Acting CEO of the NGB, emphasises the need to view gambling addiction as not merely a financial issue but a significant mental health concern and calls for concerted efforts across various sectors.
“The legal gambling industry generates vital revenue that supports public services, job creation, and development in South Africa. But we recognise that these benefits must never come at the expense of people’s wellbeing.”
Dukwana details that the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), a flagship initiative of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), highlights the industry’s commitment to responsible practices. This initiative provides complimentary treatment and counselling services for individuals facing gambling-related issues.
Sibongile Simelane Quntana, Executive Director of the SARGF, pointed out the need for a stronger commitment from certain operators to contribute meaningfully to the NRGP. “The SARGF continues to engage with some provincial licensing authorities to assist with real-time GGR confirmations to maximise NRGP income collections,” she explained.
It is revealed that as the gambling sector thrives, so too do the complexities surrounding issues of problem gambling and gambling disorder, which inflict personal pain on countless individuals. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has offered support to more than 20,000 individuals, and with the rapid rise of online betting, the number of clients seeking assistance surged sharply from 2,662 in the previous financial year to an anticipated 4,166 in 2024/2025.
The Responsible Gambling Summit aims not only to seamlessly integrate economic growth with ethical responsibility but also to establish a cohesive National Responsible Gambling Framework.
“The objective of this summit is not to dismantle a vital economic engine but to ensure the balance between gambling and responsible gambling,” said Quntana.
This proactive stance advocates for laws grounded in accountability and responsibility, ensuring the protection of citizens while fostering a vibrant industry.
Saturday Star