Compulsive gambling, addiction under spotlight

Sores of men and women in South Africa have met the ever-rising scourge that is gambling addiction, seeing individuals and families crumble under this menace. Experts insist that prevention is always better than recovery.

THE term wielded by gambling and companies, “Winners Know When To Stop” does not seem to permeate the minds or affect the behaviour of gamblers of recent times. With the emergence of online gambling, addiction has seen an alarming rise, leaving families torn and burdened with financial strains. Gambling may seem harmless at first, but it can quickly spiral into a devastating addiction.

The National Gambling Board of SA (NGB) warns that another underlying danger of supplementing income through gambling is the risk of developing a gambling addiction or compulsion.

“When gambling behaviour spins out of control, the habit can start affecting the financial and mental wellbeing of the gambler and their families. The only recourse is for the person to admit to their problem and seek help. Unfortunately, the social stigma of addiction as well as shame and embarrassment on the part of the gambler often stops them from accessing treatment, ” – NGB highlighted.

Vested in the gambling addiction scourge is Dr Lochan Naidoo, programme director at the Jullo Centre for Advanced Addiction Recovery and an Addictionologist with over three decades of experience in detoxification and rehabilitation. He is the former president of UN International Narcotics Control Board and past president of South Africa for Federation Mental Health. The subject of gambling addiction is personal and he has seen his fair share of the downside of the addiction.

Gambling addiction has escalated significantly, driven by increased access to online platforms and the normalisation of gambling as a leisure activity. It impacts not only finances but also mental health, relationships, and professional lives, often leading to devastating consequences for individuals and families.

“Individuals with underlying mental health conditions, impulsive personalities, financial stress, or a family history of addiction are at higher risk. Young adults, particularly those exposed to gambling at an early age through peers, advertising, or digital platforms, are also vulnerable,”  – explained Naidoo.

He asserts that recovery is possible.

“Recovery requires a combination of professional treatment, a structured support system, and a willingness to change. Our approach emphasises restoring dignity, purpose, and hope, even when individuals feel they’ve lost everything. The healing process involves addressing emotional, financial, and social harm through personalised therapy and ongoing support.”

“Families play a critical role by fostering a non-judgemental, supportive environment. Educating themselves about addiction, seeking professional guidance, and participating in family counseling sessions can strengthen the recovery process. Setting healthy boundaries and encouraging accountability are also essential.”

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The Jullo Centre in Merebank, Durban is one of the outlets that offers specialised recovery programmes, including in-depth assessments, short-stay interventions, and long-term support through trusted modules.

“We provide therapy, psycho-education, relapse prevention, and family workshops tailored to address gambling and other addictions. Our approach integrates biomedical and psychosocial interventions to rebuild lives holistically,”  – added Naidoo.

Naidoo condes:

“Gambling outlets can implement responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion programmes, setting spending limits, and providing clear warnings about the risks of gambling. Offering on-site information about support services and contributing to community-based rehabilitation initiatives can also make a significant impact.”

NGB highlights some of the red flags for problem gambling behaviour which include:

• Becoming hooked on the adrenaline rush of risk taking, fuelling a compulsion to gamble more frequently and with higher amounts of money.

• Chasing losses by gambling until all funds are depleted.

• Begging, borrowing or stealing money to gamble or pay off gambling-related debts.

• Using gambling to escape reality and life’s problems.

• Thinking about gambling incessantly, accompanied by an inability to focus on other aspects of life such as personal wellbeing, the wellbeing of family and friends, work or studies.

• Lying about gambling losses and exaggerating gambling winnings.

Source: citizen.co.za

About Post Author

Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.

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Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.