How civil society in Durban is tackling the online gambling crisis in South Africa

More than a hundred organisations made their input on the call to action against online gambling in South Africa during a meeting in Durban on Saturday. 

Dr Brandon Pillay, one of the organisers, said that civil society and advocacy groups, youth and women’s groups, and faith-based organisations gathered to discuss what they called the silent crisis facing families due to the rise of online gambling.

The civil society declaration on the harm of online gambling in South Africa memorandum stated that the rapid rise of online gambling preys on the youth, destroys families, and undermines national well-being. 

The declaration added that the unregulated 24-hour betting apps and relentless digital advertising have created a storm of addiction, debt, and despair.

Online gambling remains extremely difficult to regulate and control, causing widespread social and economic damage.

In response, Pillay stated that society is urging the South African government to adopt India's approach and implement a complete ban on all types of online gambling.

Other key proposal points on the memorandum are:

1. Mass march to mobilise citizens.
2. Ban on gambling advertising.
3. Freeze on new licences.
4. National enforcement task force to crack down on illegal operators. 
5. Petition to the President of South Africa, Parliament, and provincial governments. 

“Let us build a nation where technology uplifts, not destroys, where profit never outweighs people,” Pillay said. 

Speakers included a diverse panel of influential voices, including representatives from organised labour, welfare organisations, religious institutions, and community leadership. 

They shared insights on the growing social and economic impacts of online gambling and outlined collective strategies to safeguard South Africans from its harmful effects.

Some of the suggestions were to fight illegal online gambling through the courts and get a ban on gambling advertising similar to the restrictions placed on cigarettes.

There were also suggestions for parents to limit the amount of screen time their children have and constantly monitor them. 

According to Dr Muni Kooblal,  the president of Child Welfare KZN, online gambling has quietly emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding social crises and an increasing danger to families and the future.

“What begins as a moment of entertainment — a harmless bet or a quick spin — is rapidly destroying lives, families, and futures. With betting apps just a click away, gambling has become as accessible as scrolling through social media. Behind every click lies the potential for addiction, financial ruin, and emotional devastation,” he said.

Edwin Mkhize, COSATU KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary, said communities are being devoured by online gambling.

He called for the protection of residents and the economy, adding that if everyone is united behind the cause, then there will be victory. 

“Workers' hard-earned salary meant for basic amenities vanish into digital gambling run by faceless corporations. Workers are unable to pay their loans. The money is exported to offshore banking systems managed by syndicates, and our country's wealth is stolen by gambling. We need decisive regulation and enforcement,” Mkhize said. 

Dr Modiri Patrick Shole of the  South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said he would advocate for the call to address gambling. 

Shole described online gambling as an economic trap and a spiritual war that does not enter a home or confront someone with a gun or knife.

“It comes with colour and excitement and the promise of instant richness. Behind every win and flashing lights are hundreds of silent losers. It has touched senior citizens who have collected their retirement packages that were gobbled up by online gambling,” he said. 

Visvin Reddy,  uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), said they were dealing with it in a systemic way in Parliament, including introducing a tax system. 

“Money is leaving the country, and we are proposing a ban on online gambling advertisements. These companies are also not paying taxes in the country. We can channel the money to education and other initiatives. Then you look at the bombardment of adverts on older people; they see this as an opportunity to make a quick buck,” he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za