World Cup gambling sparks more suicidal thoughts in SA as debt and addiction bite
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has warned that more people could experience severe financial and mental health consequences linked to gambling addiction due to South Africa’s booming sports betting industry, accelerated by the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Spike in South Africans seeking treatment for gambling The warning comes as the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) reports a sharp spike in the number of South Africans seeking treatment for gambling-related harm, including cases involving overwhelming debt, depression and suicidal thoughts.
The organisation says recent research indicates: SA’s spending on betting has increased by 50% over the past three years, despite declining overall consumer spending; 52% of working adults gamble; gambling participation is highest among people aged 30 to 49 years (58%) and men (57%); 7% of SA adults spend more than their monthly income on gambling, relying on credit or loans to cover household expenses; and 70% of gamblers say they gamble to supplement their income.
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