South Africa is facing an alarming rise in online gambling that is destroying lives and draining billions of rands from families and the economy.

Experts warn that unless lawmakers strengthen regulation, the scourge could spiral out of control.

A former gambling addict, whose habit eventually led to imprisonment, said he learnt the hard way.

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“It didn’t happen overnight; it was a gradual descent into hell. I was oblivious to the direction I was taking. It started with small bets and wins, then grew with the amounts I spent and the losses I incurred.

“We lie, we cheat, we steal, we connive, and eventually we hit rock bottom,” he told Gamblers Anonymous, a non-profit that supports victims of gambling addiction and their families.

I now have the strength, faith and courage to face life and its challenges head-on without a crutch. It has also improved my relationship with my family. I had to show them that they could trust me again, one of the hardest things to do.

The explosion of online betting has been fuelled by convenience.

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Gamblers no longer need to leave home — betting is just a click away, feeding compulsive behaviour.

Responsible gambling expert Farah Jassawalla said the removal of barriers such as travelling to a casino has led to longer gambling sessions and higher spending.

The convenience of online betting means people might feel the urge to gamble far more frequently. This can result in rash financial decisions, especially since they don’t even need cash on hand.

“Online casinos take digital payments, so one may lose track of spending. This is particularly risky with credit cards, where gamblers may wager money they don’t have,” said Jassawalla.

She said studies suggest online gambling can be more addictive than traditional casino gambling because of its accessibility.

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“The bottom line is that online gambling poses a serious enough risk of addiction for us to consider it an active danger.”

Jassawalla added that online gambling often leads to social isolation, concealing the time people spend betting.

Casino gambling is highly social — whether it’s poker or horse racing, there’s a thrill in playing alongside others.

“Online gambling removes that element. People end up alone in their homes, playing game after game, and their peers may not realise how many hours they are spending. In that way, online gambling hides the scale of the problem,” she said.

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The National Gambling Board (NGB), together with the Provincial Licensing Authority and law enforcement agencies, has stepped up its fight against illegal online gambling.

“This follows growing concern over unlicensed gambling websites and platforms targeting South Africans, often without regard for the law or consumer protection. The NGB warns the public against taking part in unlawful online gambling, which poses serious risks including fraud, unfair practices and no recourse in disputes,” said acting chief executive Lungile Dukwana.

“Online gambling is unlawful and unacceptable. Through targeted enforcement, inter-agency cooperation and public education, we are protecting South Africans from gambling harm, unfair operators and illicit financial flows.

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“Our commitment is clear: ensuring that gambling in South Africa remains safe, fair and licensed,” Dukwana added.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) launched the KwaZulu-Natal leg of its Taking Risks Wisely schools programme earlier this year to address rising levels of child gambling.

Executive director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana said many pupils are first exposed to gambling through informal activities such as zwepe (a coin-spinning game), dice, cards or betting on games like lud.

“Although gambling is illegal for under-18s in South Africa, many young people still find ways to gamble, especially online. The Taking Risks Wisely initiative is designed to educate learners and vulnerable groups about the dangers of illegal gambling and its consequences,” she said.

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Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt warned that teenagers are particularly vulnerable.

Teens have access to online platforms, and this is a major issue. Many are already building up debt before finishing school or college, even before starting their careers. This makes it very difficult to escape debt.

He added that gambling damages the economy but hits households hardest.

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“People desperate for an income often gamble, lose what little money they have, and struggle to recover. They then borrow more, leaving them unable to save or pay bills. Without saving, there is no buying power, and that in turn affects the economy,” said Roodt.