Latest news with #NationalResponsibleGamblingProgramme
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Breaking the silence with an online support group for gambling addiction
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has revealed a landmark success in its National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), announcing that over 400 individuals have benefitted from its innovative online support group in its first year. The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has revealed a landmark success in its National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), announcing that over 400 individuals have benefitted from its innovative online support group in its first year. As gambling addiction tightens its grip on individuals and families across South Africa, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is responding with a pioneering digital support programme aimed at breaking the cycle of isolation and stigma. In its first year, the National Responsible Gambling Programme's (NRGP) online support group has helped more than 400 people find their footing on the road to recovery - offering a rare sense of community in a space often marked by secrecy and shame. This initiative draws on the Ubuntu philosophy – 'I am because we are' – to dismantle barriers of isolation and foster a sustainable ecosystem of peer-driven recovery. As a condition increasingly recognised as a mental health disorder, it is detailed that problem gambling often leads individuals into debilitating cycles of shame, grief, and isolation, adversely affecting not just themselves but their families and communities. The foundation shares with Saturday Star that its approach is designed to dismantle these barriers, creating a safe, judgement-free space for individuals to openly share their struggles and collaboratively navigate the difficult path to recovery. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of SARGF, emphasises the role of this support group, stating, 'Our support group is more than a resource; it's a lifeline. By embracing Ubuntu, we remind participants that healing thrives in community. The courage to say, 'I need help,' is met with immediate support from peers who truly understand, proving that solidarity can achieve what therapy alone often cannot.' To make it easier for people to get help no matter where they are, the group uses WhatsApp to chat in real time and holds online meetings every Saturday on Microsoft Teams. These virtual sessions are designed to build an interconnected community, characterised by shared stories, effective coping strategies, and accountability checks. Participants laud the platform's 24/7 availability as critical in resisting urges: 'At 2 am, when guilt and anxiety tighten their grip, there's always someone to pull me back from the edge. Knowing I'm not alone makes the impossible feel possible,' says Simelane-Quntana. The NRGP model also aligns with legally mandated recovery pathways outlined in South Africa's National Gambling Act of 2004. This includes measures such as voluntary self-exclusion, enabling individuals to block their gambling access for a minimum of six months while committing to counselling; in the financial year 2024/2025, 4 166 referrals were managed, with 902 specifically for self-exclusions. Another approach, third-party exclusion, allows family members or dependants to petition the courts for gambling restrictions on individuals struggling with addiction. While some people were initially hesitant to join due to stigma and anxiety, the group's anonymous nature has helped more individuals feel safe enough to reach out. Many members have since shared positive progress, staying away from gambling for six months or more as they focus on healing relationships and improving their finances. The SARGF says it plans to broaden access through regional support hubs and strategic partnerships with local leaders. 'Relapse prevention requires innovation. Our vision is a nationwide web of support rooted in shared humanity where every individual can reclaim their future.' With an unwavering commitment to empowering lives, the SARGF is redefining the landscape of recovery, proving that together, healing and support can illuminate even the darkest of paths.' Saturday Star
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- The Citizen
Online gambling and betting advertising is non-compliant with Gambling Act — minister
South Africans have noticed that gambling and betting advertising is getting very intrusive, but there are plans for better regulation. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has confirmed in parliament that the advertising for online gambling and betting does not comply with the National Gambling Act, but emphasised that a crack-down is coming. He was responding to a question from Makashule Gana, an MP for Rise Mzansi, whether the recent advertising and marketing campaigns of gambling and betting companies comply with the National Gambling Act and related regulations and policies. Tau said in his reply that the National Gambling Board reviewed recent gambling and betting advertising campaigns to see if they comply with the National Gambling Act and National Gambling Regulations. 'The findings indicate that a number of gambling operators' current advertising and marketing practices do not fully comply with the legislative and regulatory framework, particularly regarding responsible gambling messaging and protection of minors. ALSO READ: Did you know online gambling is illegal in SA? Here are plans to stop it Online gambling and betting skipping statutory warnings Tau said online gambling operators are contravening regulation 3(2) of the National Gambling Regulations about the inadequate display of responsible gambling warnings, which requires that any advertisement must include a clear and prominent statement warning against the dangers of addictive and compulsive gambling. In a video or television advertisement, this message must incorporate at a minimum the name, toll-free number and slogan of the National Responsible Gambling Programme, and it must be published in visual format so that each slogan appears in a legible and noticeable format for at least three seconds. 'The responsible gambling message was barely visible and appeared only briefly, which undermines the intent of the regulation.' ALSO READ: R1.1 trillion worth of online bets in a year: Does SA need to rein in digital gambling? Children exposed to online gambling and betting advertising He said online gambling operators also contravened regulation 3(1)(i)(i) of the National Gambling Regulations in these ways: Exposure to minors: prohibits placing gambling advertisements in media primarily directed at children under the age of eighteen, but the Board noticed that advertisements are frequently aired during family viewing times, including during popular shows, such as MasterChef and Junior MasterChef, as well as during sports matches where the audience is likely to include minors. Tau says this is contrary to the Act, which prohibits gambling for individuals under 18. Advertising during these time slots also increases the risk of normalising gambling behaviour among young viewers. Targeted online and streaming advertising: Tau said gambling advertisements were observed on radio streaming websites and platforms such as YouTube, often without responsible gambling disclaimers. These platforms do not adequately verify the age of users, allowing easy access to gambling content by minors. 'This raises serious concerns regarding the enticement of underage children to participate in gambling activities,' he said. Sponsorship and product placement: the sponsorship of family-friendly programmes by major bookmakers results in increased visibility and frequency of gambling advertisements during television content widely consumed by minors and families. Tau said this form of marketing bypasses regulatory intentions to protect vulnerable groups from gambling influence. Tau said the board engaged the provincial gambling boards about the contraventions and intends to advise the National Gambling Policy Council Meeting of the matter for resolution. 'Therefore, the department and the board will focus on implementing corrective measures in the next cycle.' ALSO READ: 'Let's make gambling safer': New bill targets unfair online gambling practices National Gambling Policy Council stepping up soon Gana also wanted to know whether Tau found that the lack of National Gambling Policy Council meetings since March 2018 contributed to the gambling crisis and lack of accountability in the gambling and betting sector. Tau said he will convene the National Gambling Policy Council soon. 'Gambling is a functional area of concurrent competence between national and provincial government in terms of the constitution, and therefore requires intergovernmental cooperation. 'The statutory mandate of the Council in terms of section 62 of the National Gambling Act includes consulting on the determination and establishment of the national gambling policy and laws, including the promotion of uniform national and provincial laws about gambling norms and standards, as well as any matter concerning gambling.' The Council enables provinces and national government to debate and deliberate on policy and ensure alignment of policy and enforcement interventions across the country. Tau said that with the gambling environment evolving, there has been a growth in the industry, which also paved the way for illegal activities, such as online gambling, to thrive. 'In addition, the inability to meet affects uniformity and harmonisation of gambling policy and legislation, which leads to fragmentation in the gambling regulation in the country.' NOW READ: WATCH: Women and pensioners among 'vulnerable' groups, says Gauteng Gambling Board
