Financial pressure is driving more than half of stokvel savers to gamble, according to the Rogerwilco 2026 Township Customer Experience Report.
The finding comes as National Gambling Board (NGB) figures show that gambling turnover in South Africa reached approximately R1.8 trillion in the 2025/26 financial year, with gross gambling revenue totalling R84.5 billion.
The Rogerwilco report found that more than half of stokvel savers had gambled at least once in the previous year because of financial distress. Stokvels rely on members making regular contributions towards shared savings goals, but financial pressure can make it harder for households to keep saving while meeting everyday expenses.
Betting accounted for R62.2bn of gross gambling revenue, including R55.6bn generated by online betting across the six provinces covered by the Board’s data, compared with R6.4bn from retail betting.
Acting NGB chief executive Lungile Dukwana said the Board was concerned about people who viewed gambling as a way to supplement their income or address financial difficulties.
“Gambling should never be regarded as a source of income or a solution to financial hardship,” he said.
The Board’s 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling Study found that 59% of gamblers surveyed said they would have more money available for savings if they did not gamble. Another 48% said they would have more money for household necessities, while 37% said they could use the money to settle debts or accounts.
The study found that 68% of gamblers surveyed were motivated by the prospect of winning a large amount, while 56% cited the need for additional money. A further 14% identified job losses and financial need as reasons for gambling.
The findings also point to the financial vulnerability of some gamblers. The study classified 31% of those surveyed as problem gamblers and 29% as being at moderate risk. Among those classified as problem gamblers, 67% earned less than R9,000 a month, while 19% reported having no household income.
Dukwana warned against gambling with money needed for everyday expenses.
“Money intended for food, transport, education, household expenses, debt repayment or savings should not be used for gambling,” he said.
The study also found that 55% of gamblers surveyed intended to use their winnings to buy basic household necessities, while 49% said they would put the money towards savings and 40% towards settling debts or accounts.
The Board’s research showed a relationship between gambling and household financial pressures, although it did not establish that gambling caused every respondent’s financial difficulties. People who gamble to meet financial obligations or recover previous losses risk exposing themselves to further financial harm.
Financial planner Bertie Nel, head of financial planning and advice at Momentum, said the Rogerwilco findings pointed to the pressure facing stokvel members when household finances came under strain.
“Stokvel members are among the most disciplined savers in the country. They contribute regularly and plan together. If they reach for a bet when pressure builds, the issue is not character but rather illustrates how little room many households have when something goes wrong,” Nel said.
Nel warned that chasing losses could deepen financial problems, particularly when people borrowed money to continue betting or used funds set aside for emergencies.
The NGB said it was working with provincial licensing authorities and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation to provide public education, counselling and treatment for people affected by gambling-related harm. Voluntary self-exclusion is also available to those struggling to control their gambling.
The Board is also expanding public education initiatives at universities and TVET colleges to discourage students from gambling with money intended for their education and essential living expenses, acting chief executive Dukwana said.
The Board’s warning is that gambling should never be treated as a way out of financial hardship.
People experiencing gambling-related problems can contact the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp 076 675 0710.
masabata.mkwananzi@nationalmg.co.za