A recent report found that there is an alarming increase in online gambling among the youth in South Africa. This development is found to be a product of extensive access to smartphones and laptops, coupled with the social and entertainment aspects of engaging with gambling. There is a growing concern about the risks this type of activity can have on young people. To understand this development, and how the potential risks can be mitigated, the online casino expert from Zaslots , Erik King has been interviewed, to share his thoughts on the online gambling boom in South Africa and the surge of online gambling among the youth in South Africa.
A growing issue worldwide
When asked to share his thoughts on the rise in online gambling among South Africa’s youth, Erik King pointed out that the findings of the report are touching on a trend seen globally as well. The combination of easier access to smartphones, the internet , and various online gambling platforms has resulted in more young people becoming engaged in gambling activities. The availability of these platforms, and the large variety of activities offered on the platforms, makes them intriguing and exciting for young people, who already have a heavy online presence, says Erik King.
Erik King is further worried about the statistics the report highlights, especially how frequently younger gamblers are engaged in online gaming and sports betting, which is around 11 times a month. According to Erik King, this high number is showing just how pervasive the issue is becoming, and he points out that even though shifting to online gambling does have a high degree of convenience, it is also a potential danger to youth who might not be fully educated about the risks involved in gambling activities.
Gambling as a social activity or a mean to make money
The report highlights that young gamblers see online gambling as a two-fold activity: That it is both a social activity to be engaged in, and as a mean to make extra money. When asked if this is reflected in his own observations and experiences in the sector, Erik King confirmed that this is a pattern seen across the sector. He points out that there always has been a social element at the core of gambling, but that since online platforms have surged, this activity has largely become more integrated into our daily lives. Erik King brings out the example of online sports betting: Many young people cannot both watch sports while at the same time placing bets on the game with friends or while engaging in online chat rooms. This community element has enhanced the experience but can also be a source to not stopping again.
Furthermore, Erik King has often observed that among young gamblers, there is a great motivation towards online gambling due to the prospect of winning money. Many young players see online gambling as an easy way to have an extra income, especially among young people who are struggling to find a job and consequently are struggling financially, according to Erik King. However, even though there can be occasional wins, the bottom line of gambling is that it is designed to be profitable for the house in the long run. What Erik King has observed is that many young players end up chasing losses, which can cause an evil spiral in the realm of online gambling.
A cyclical behavior with consequences
One main finding in the report is that there is a pattern among young gamblers to use winnings to continue gambling. When asked to comment on this cyclical behavior, Erik King pointed out that this is one of the most dangerous aspects of gambling addiction. He explains that when experiencing the thrill of winning, people can experience a false sense of security, which comes from the fact that any type of winning, regardless of the amount, makes a player feel validated. Erik King says that it is tied to a feeling that a player thinks they have figured out how to beat the system. A consequence is that players then gamble their winnings to continue the streak.
This cyclical behavior is prevalent among younger people, as they tend to forget or not know about the house advantage embedded in the online gambling design. Often young people do not manage to recognize when they are in too deep. Once someone has been placed in this cyclical loop of using winnings to fund more gambling activities, it can escalate into a deep-rooting problem financially and psychologically, Erik King emphasizes.
Responsibility lies with the gambling industry
To wrap up the interview, Erik King was asked about how he thinks the gambling industry can take more responsibility to mitigate such gambling problems among the youth. He underlined that the responsibility lies with the gambling industry, to ensure that the platforms are safe for vulnerable groups, which also includes young people. Erik King pointed out that there is already a lot being done by various platforms who offer tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and pop-up messages with warnings.
However, Erik King also expressed that he would like to see stricter regulations for advertising among targeting younger audiences. Many ads tend to be flashy and promise big wins, which can be misleading to a younger audience who might not understand all the intricacies of online gambling. Instead, Erik King would like for more clear information on risks to be part of ads, to raise more awareness among the youth in South Africa.