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The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently intervene as the rapid growth of online and mobile gambling increases the risk of addiction among children.
The foundation says the National Gambling Act of 2004 does not adequately protect children or adults from gambling and gaming addiction, particularly in the digital space.
According to the SARGF, the expansion of online betting platforms has created an overstimulated environment that is difficult to regulate, leaving minors vulnerable despite gambling being illegal for children under the age of 18.
“The lack of regulation around remote gambling activities, including online casinos and online betting, leaves these areas unregulated and untaxed,” said SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana.
She said many children are able to access online gambling platforms by using adult credentials, while widespread advertising normalises gambling and fails to adequately warn about its harmful effects.
The foundation has called for urgent amendments to the law to introduce clear regulations for remote gambling and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Among its recommendations are mandatory identity verification measures, including facial recognition, declaration of income and the collection of personal identification information.
“These measures are widely used internationally and help prevent underage gambling while also combating money laundering,” Simelane-Quntana said.
The SARGF is also urging lawmakers to regulate gaming, citing growing concerns about gaming addiction among children and young adults.
This follows the World Health Organisation’s 2022 recognition of gaming disorder as a mental health condition.
The foundation says excessive exposure to gambling and gaming can have long-term effects on mental health, particularly among young people whose decision-making abilities are still developing.