As South Africa observes National Women’s Month this August, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is highlighting an alarming trend that affects countless women across the nation: the insidious impact of gambling harm in households led by women.
It is revealed that women are facing a different kind of battle, one rooted in financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and the deadly allure of gambling as an escape.
The SARGF's National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) revealed troubling figures from the 2024/2025 financial year, with 4 166 referrals indicating the extent of gambling harm across the nation. Notably, the problem gambling referrals showed an interesting gender split, with 1 554 women and 1 536 men affected. However, there are stark differences in how women manage and respond to these challenges.
It is also highlighted that when it comes to family referrals, women take centre stage; of the 40 family cases initiated, a striking 37 were instigated by female family members, highlighting their role as the first responders to gambling-related distress. This trend underscores the caregiving responsibilities that often fall to women, driving them to protect their families from financial or emotional collapse.
The self-exclusion programme, which allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues for at least six months, further illustrates the gendered experience of gambling harm. Among the 902 requests made, 403 came from women, showcasing their proactive approach to tackling the issue, even as 134 relapses were reported, with women responsible for 58 cases. This suggests that while men may be more prone to relapse, women are taking steps to curb their gambling behaviour.
Insights drawn from counselling sessions present further evidence of gendered patterns: women are more likely to seek help, either for themselves or for loved ones, influenced by societal expectations that position them as carers and emotional anchors within their families. Cultural norms play a pivotal role, as men often conceal mental health struggles, while women tend to openly acknowledge distress and seek support. Tragically, many women report experiences of financial abuse or familial strain linked to a partner’s gambling, which further compounds their vulnerabilities.
A recent poll from a WhatsApp support group revealed that among 119 respondents, 69 identified as women, demonstrating a clear trend of women engaging more actively in recovery spaces.
“The true spirit of Women’s Month risks being lost in platitudes while the real challenges women face, such as economic hardship, gambling addiction, and systemic inequality, are overlooked,” says Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of SARGF.
With Statistics South Africa estimating that 42% of households are now led by women, many of whom bear the financial responsibilities of extended families on limited incomes, the pressure intensifies. As opportunities to improve their circumstances dwindle, some women resort to informal trading, while others, driven to desperation, turn to gambling in search of a financial miracle. However, the harsh reality is that what begins as a desperate attempt to make ends meet can lead to crippling debt and fractured families.
“What starts as an urgent need for food or rent can often culminate in a loss of dignity, mental well-being, and trust from those who depend on them,” explains Simelane-Quntana.
In light of these challenges, the Foundation is advocating for urgent action, such as:
Targeted interventions for women at risk of gambling harm
Expanded financial literacy and economic empowerment programmes
Community-based counselling to mitigate stigma and provide support
National awareness campaigns linking gambling harm to gender justice
The landscape has shifted dramatically, as gambling, once perceived as mere leisure, has transformed into a coping mechanism for financial hardship. A recent study by a popular betting site, BettaBets, illuminated staggering statistics: 54% of participants admitted to using grant money to support their gambling habits, a trend exacerbated by the lack of income opportunities.
Simelane-Quntana notes, “Those seeking help were often employed full-time, part-time, or self-employed, indicating that gambling shifted from entertainment to a means of secondary income due to dire socio-economic conditions.”
The fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic has further complicated the issue, as highlighted by Mathabo Sekhonyana, Chief Marketing Officer at BettaBets. The increased financial pressure, coupled with inadequate support systems, sets the stage for a burgeoning crisis that requires immediate attention.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star