OPINION: As South Africa’s gambling landscape continues to expand, alarming trends in underage gambling are emerging, raising serious concerns for parents and guardians.

THE SOUTH African gambling industry is expanding significantly, reflecting its role as an economic powerhouse that fuels job creation and contributes to national revenue. In 2023, the industry saw R815.1 billion wagered, with sports bets alone reaching R420 billion – a clear indication of its growth and potential benefits. However, when it comes to minors and gambling, a word of caution remains.

Recent findings from Infoquest, a leading online market research firm, reveal that online gambling is already on the rise among young South Africans. The ease of online access has made gambling more available to young people, who often lack both the maturity to handle its potential risks responsibly and the financial skills to manage their money effectively.

The study highlights that individuals aged 18 to 34 who engage in online gambling and sports betting do so an average of 11 times per month. Alarmingly, 39% of these young gamblers reinvest their winnings, and 30% gamble with excess funds, revealing a cycle that can sometimes lead to addiction and financial strain.

As Ana Bonanni, the CEO of Bettabets, explains, young people often mimic the gambling habits of older siblings. She notes, “Parents should be mindful that minors under the age of 18 may be drawn to gambling by the thrill of risk-taking or peer pressure, and this can lead to misunderstandings about money and risk. Gambling can be a pleasurable and entertaining activity that plays a constructive role in the local economy, but we should recognise that minors are not yet equipped to handle the stakes responsibly.”

High stakes and heartbreaks: The impact of underage gambling

Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the addictive nature of gambling, which can lead to compulsive behaviour extending into adulthood. Research shows that approximately 5% of South African adolescents may already exhibit signs of gambling addiction, such as:

• Students engaged in gambling often experience a drop in grades, lack of focus, and increased absenteeism.

• Gambling can lead to conflict and mistrust within families, as minors may resort to secretive behaviours to conceal their activities.

• Young gamblers may face mounting debts and, in severe cases, resort to criminal activities to fund their gambling habits.

• Emotional instability, irritability, or withdrawal may signal stress related to gambling.

Bonanni emphasises the urgent need for parental vigilance. “It is vital that parents and guardians arm themselves with information to safeguard young children from the dangers of underage gambling. Parents must be proactive in identifying the warning signs and educating their children about the risks associated with gambling to empower them to make responsible decisions.”

With the end-of-year holidays coming up and children having more unsupervised time, the risks can increase significantly. Below are Bonanni’s five tips to help protect your children from underage gambling:

• Encourage regular discussions about gambling, its risks, and the potential consequences. Create a safe space for your children to express their thoughts and ask questions.

• Establish firm rules regarding gambling activities. Clearly communicate that gambling is not acceptable and outline the reasons behind this decision.

• Use parental control settings on devices to limit access to gambling websites and apps. Regularly review your child’s online activities to ensure they are not engaging with gambling content.

• Promote activities that provide the same excitement and risk-taking as gambling. Sports, hobbies, and other interests can divert their attention away from gambling temptations.

• If you suspect your child is involved in gambling, act quickly. Reach out to counsellors, gambling support organisations, or financial advisors for guidance and support to address the issue before it escalates.

For immediate support, parents and guardians can contact the Gambling Helpline South Africa at 0800 006 008.