The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is warning that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could lead to more people struggling with gambling problems.
The SARGF’s National Responsible Gambling Programme reports a concerning rise in gambling-related harm. Counseling and treatment services are increasingly seeing cases involving acute financial distress, suicidal ideation, and other mental health challenges.
In a statement issued by SARGF as it count on this particular day says, “For the financial year ending March 2026, 5,199 people were referred for treatment for gambling-related harm, up from 4,166 in 2025.
Cases involving suicidal ideation rose 38.5% from 937 to 1,298. Of those affected, 60.9% were youths aged 18 to 35.”
Employment data shows 57.1% of those referred were in full-time employment. A further 23.9% were unemployed, with the rest made up of part-time workers, self-employed people, students, and pensioners.
According to SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, the foundation expects a significant increase in people seeking help if current trends of heightened sports betting and easy access to online platforms continue.
She said projections are based on patterns seen during major sporting tournaments, when betting frequency increases around match schedules and with continuous betting opportunities across multiple fixtures.
“While treatment services remain essential, our focus is also on prevention, public education and early intervention to reduce harm before it occurs. The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a timely reminder of why a population-level prevention approach to responsible gambling is so important,” she said.
The National Responsible Gambling Programme is urging caution during the FIFA World Cup season.
By: Sthabile Sambela
15 July 2026
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