The Credit Association of South Africa (CASA) has warned consumers against using credit or money meant for household essentials to gamble, as new research from the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) highlights the scale of online gambling in South Africa and its potential impact on household finances.
According to the SRI report, Online Gambling in South Africa, online gambling grew by 390% between 2021 and 2025, driven in part by increased accessibility through mobile phones and widespread advertising.
“Never use funds to gamble that are designated for necessities like rent, food, transport, or utility bills,” warns Leonie van Pletzen, CEO of CASA. “Avoid using credit cards, loans, or borrow from friends and family to fund…