'Silent epidemic' of online gambling in the cross-hairs

IN A SHOW of solidarity, borne out of concern, various civil society groups, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have called for an immediate ban on online gambling in South Africa.

- SIPHO JACK

The call came during a one day conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, which brought together a diverse group of civil rights activists, clergy members, academics, and community leaders to address the alarming rise of gambling addiction, particularly among youth.

COSATU Provincial Secretary Edwin Mkhize opened the conference with a poignant message, stating, "South Africa still has caring, loving, and conscious people who refuse to watch silently while our children, workers, and communities are devoured by this modern (day) monster called online gambling."

Mkhize raised the urgent need to protect the nation's children and economic well being from what he termed an "addiction factory" that robs families and drains the economy.

Recent statistics released by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation revealed the threat posed by online gambling with a report that revealed more than 30% of online gamblers were under the age of 25, with nearly one in five showning signs of addiction.