The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of gambling-related harm among tertiary students, as online betting continues to grow across South Africa’s youth population. The initiative aims to educate students about the risks of excessive gambling and provide support before harmful behaviour develops into gambling addiction.
Online betting raises concerns
The ad coincides with the SARGF’s growing worry over students who view gambling as a means of earning extra money. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the SARGF, claims that a growing number of financially strapped students see gambling as a source of revenue rather than leisure.
The foundation said this trend is particularly worrying because some students are using state-funded bursary allowances, including funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to place bets on online sports betting platforms and digital casinos. Funds intended for books, accommodation and living expenses are instead being lost through gambling.
The SARGF warned that this behaviour places financially vulnerable students at greater risk of debt, anxiety and gambling-related harm.
Student cases continue to rise
Data from the SARGF Counselling Helpline for the 2025-2026 financial year shows an increase in the number of tertiary students seeking help.
198 of the 5,199 individuals evaluated during that time were postsecondary students, up from 163 in the prior fiscal year. 51 of these students reported having suicide thoughts, compared to 38 in 2024–2025.
The data also showed that 2,670 people receiving treatment were between the ages of 18 and 35, highlighting that young adults remain one of the groups most affected by gambling-related problems.
National programme targets prevention
The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) is delivering the new campaign, Taking Risks Wisely: Tertiary Edition (TRWTE). By assisting students in making wise choices and appropriately handling financial strains, the program aims to lessen the negative effects of gambling.
The programme includes education and awareness activities that explain the risks linked to excessive gambling and gambling addiction. Students will also receive practical financial literacy guidance to help them manage stipends and make informed financial decisions.
The program aims to improve universities’ capacity to address gambling-related issues in addition to student education. The SARGF is to enhance institutional ability to recognise and support students who may be suffering from gambling harm and educate psychosocial support teams.
Access to counselling and treatment
A key part of the initiative is the creation of clear referral pathways that allow students to access support at an early stage. Through the National Responsible Gambling Programme, students identified as being at risk will be able to receive free counselling and treatment services.
The foundation said the campaign is designed to ensure that students receive accurate information about gambling risks while making it easier for those experiencing problems to seek professional help.
By combining education, financial literacy, institutional support and access to treatment, the SARGF aims to reduce gambling-related harm among tertiary students and encourage responsible decision-making at a time when online betting is becoming more common among young adults.
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