The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will take place on November 13 and 14 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. The summit aims to confront a central paradox within the gambling sector: how to sustain economic growth while minimising social harm.

The event will bring together global experts, policymakers and industry leaders to explore strategies that balance profitability with public wellbeing.

South Africa’s gambling industry stands at a pivotal point, balancing its role as a major economic contributor with the need to safeguard communities from the risks associated with problem gambling.

According to the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) National Gambling Statistics, South Africa’s gambling landscape remains a multi-billion-rand industry.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the sector contributed R1.1 trillion to the economy, of which R59.3b was recorded as Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) while R4.8 billion was collected in taxes and levies.

This underscores the industry’s significant contribution to GDP, job creation and public services through tax revenue.

The 2024/2025 industry performance report will be launched at the summit by Acting NGB CEO Lungile Dukwana, who emphasised the importance of responsible practices within the sector.

“The legal gambling industry generates vital revenue that supports public services, job creation and development in South Africa. But we recognise that these benefits must never come at the expense of people’s wellbeing,” said Dukwana.

“Addressing gambling addiction requires acknowledging it as both a mental health and financial challenge. Sustainable solutions demand collaboration across industries, regulators and civil society.

By promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring accessible support systems, the industry can continue to deliver economic value while protecting individuals and families from harm.”

The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), managed by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), provides free treatment and counselling services for individuals struggling with problem gambling.

The Foundation’s revenue has grown alongside the betting sector, now exceeding R40 million. However, a notable shortfall remains between the NRGP’s anticipated income based on GGRs published by the NGB and the actual amount collected.

In 2023/24, the NGB reported national GGRs totalling R59.3 billion. Accordingly, the Foundation’s 0.1% GGR income was projected to exceed R50 million. In reality, only R41 million was collected, leaving a shortfall of R18.3 million.

This gap raises concerns about operator compliance, as some benefit from the NRGP’s toll-free counselling line and advertising taglines without contributing financially as required by the National Regulations of 2004.

“The SARGF continues to work with several Provincial Licensing Authorities to assist with real-time GGR confirmations to maximise NRGP income collections,” said SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane Quntana.

Quntana noted that the industry’s rapid growth has heightened the risk of problem gambling with serious personal and social consequences.

Over the past two decades, the Foundation has provided counselling and treatment to more than 20 000 people. However, the rise of online betting has exposed vulnerable citizens to increased risks, leading to a surge in cases from 2 662 in 2023/2024 to 4 166 in 2024/2025.

“The goal of this summit is not to dismantle a vital economic engine but to strike a balance between gambling and responsible gambling,” Quntana said.

“We aim to ensure that legislation supports both, built on a foundation of accountability and the safety of citizens who engage in gambling.”

The summit will also introduce plans for a National Responsible Gambling Framework under the NRGP designed to strengthen collaboration and align industry and regulatory efforts.

“We will draw on global best practices to ensure our growth is both economic and ethical, protecting our communities while supporting a sustainable industry,” Quntana added.

The two-day event will move beyond discussion to measurable action, with progress tracked and reported every two years. Its agenda will focus on four key themes:

Understanding harm and vulnerable populations: Examining links between gambling, mental health and substance abuse and developing targeted protections for youth, seniors and disadvantaged groups.

Closing regulatory gaps: Debating mandatory operator contributions to responsible gambling initiatives, establishing national auditing standards and strengthening marketing policies to prevent exploitation.

Harnessing technology for protection: Exploring how artificial intelligence can detect harmful behaviour, reduce digital risks and counteract aggressive online marketing.

Global lessons, local Action: Benchmarking international best practices such as centralised self-exclusion systems and affordability checks to adapt proven models for the South African context.

The summit will conclude with the presentation of the Responsible Gambling Award honouring operators and regulators for outstanding contributions to consumer protection.