Board warns on Xmas gambling

RICHARD DAVIES

CAPE TOWN - Albert Einstein once said that the only way to beat a roulette table was to steal money from it.

But for those set on blowing some of their hard-earned cash at casinos over the festive season, perhaps the pithy advice of American humorist Kin Hubbard is more apposite: “The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Gambling Board warned South Africans to be “aware and cautious” when gambling.

“There is no magic or charm that can make one win... At the end of the day, gambling is a game of chance. Sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t,” it said.

The regulator noted that gambling in South Africa had emerged as a form of entertainment and recreation.

For this reason, it had launched a campaign to “caution problem gamblers and discourage potential irresponsible gamblers”.

This included raising awareness about the “facts and myths” of gambling, the risks associated with these, and the odds on winning.

Another campaign aim was “to caution the public regarding spending on gambling during difficult financial times, especially during the festive season”.

The board said its National Responsible Gambling Programme offered training, education and counselling, as well as treatment for those with gambling problems, through a network of 65 “treatment professionals” based in 48 towns and cities around the country.

The programme could be contacted on the toll-free number: 0800-006-008.

A recent study by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission found that about one in 200 adults in that country had gambling problems.

Research shows a problem gambler is much more likely to lose a lot of money on roulette or slot machines -- where rounds end quickly and there is a constant temptation to play again, or increase bets -- than on other forms of gambling.

It also shows those with gambling problems are likely to lie to friends and family about the extent of their gambling, with many claiming they have a “system” or sure-fire way of winning.

In this regard, they should bear in mind the words of Latin writer Publilius Syrus, whose maxims have survived almost 2000 years.

“The better the gambler, the worse the man,” Syrus noted.

Sapa

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