InfoQuest and Responsible Gambling have sounded the alarm following research revealing a troubling rise in online gambling among young people.
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Experts warn that smartphones, laptops, and the social allure of gambling significantly endanger young people.
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According to IOL, InfoQuest, a research organisation focused on addictions, recently surveyed 300 gamblers, including 139 aged 18 to 34.
The findings revealed that online gaming and sports betting were the top choices among the youth, followed by playing the national lottery.
The organisation’s managing director Claire Heckrath noted that younger gamblers engage in more gambling activities compared to older individuals.
Heckrath reported that young people most often engage in online gaming, sports betting, and online slot machines, averaging 11 times per month.
‘Overall, younger gamblers have been engaging in each activity for between two and three years. The possibility of winning much-needed funds is the main reason for gambling, but there is also a recreational element with some saying that it’s a fun and good way to socialise.’
Heckrath revealed that 39% of younger gamblers reinvest their winnings into further gambling, and 30% admit they gamble with leftover funds.
Executive director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF),Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, highlighted that online gambling and betting are particularly aimed at Gen Z and Millennials.
Simelane-Quntana said that in the 2023/2024 financial year (April 1, 2023 to March, 2024) the SARGF referred 2 662 patients for gambling addiction.
‘From the 2 662 referrals made through our toll-free counselling line, 1 695 were adults, followed by 787 youth, 116 were elderly, 61 did not state their age, three were minors (under the age of 18). From the 2 662 referrals,1 452 were males and 1 209 were females.’
University of KwaZulu-Natal Professor David Spurrett noted that technological advances have simplified access to both physical and online gambling platforms.
‘Our phones are with us everywhere. Research has strongly suggested that this makes addiction more likely. Online gambling is a 24/7 casino in your pocket, so you can’t walk out of the door. It can also be a very profitable business,’ said Spurrett.
Social commentator Malaika Mahlatsi recounted a case where a teenager squandered over R100,000 of her mother’s savings on an online gambling site.
‘She has an addiction to gambling. Addiction is not simply a decision to not have self-control; it’s an illness and gambling is an addiction. The child who did this to her mom is sick. Sick people need help,’ Mahlatsi added.
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Picture: Tim Gouw / Gallo