SARGF launches tertiary edition of Taking Risks Wisely programme
The foundation said its clinical data shows an increasing number of students seeking counselling have admitted diverting NSFAS living stipends and book allowances to online gambling.
South Africa.- The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has launched the Taking Risks Wisely: Tertiary Edition programme across South Africa in response to growing concerns that university students are using National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances to fund online gambling.
Announced on Tuesday, July 14 through the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), the initiative aims to educate tertiary students about gambling-related harm, strengthen financial literacy and improve decision-making around the use of bursary funds.
The foundation said its clinical data shows an increasing number of students seeking counselling have admitted diverting NSFAS living stipends and book allowances to online sports betting and online casino platforms.
SARGF said the programme will also train universities’ psychosocial support teams and establish referral pathways to help students access free counselling and treatment services through the NRGP.
According to the foundation, 5,199 people were assessed through its counselling helpline for gambling-related harm during the 2025/26 financial year. Of those, 3,541 received treatment while 1,658 discontinued treatment.
Among those who completed treatment, 2,670 were aged between 18 and 35, including 198 tertiary students. The foundation also recorded 51 students with suicidal ideation.
The figures represent an increase from the 2024/25 financial year, when 4,166 people were referred for treatment. Of those, 2,034 were aged 18 to 35, including 163 tertiary students, while 38 students were identified as experiencing suicidal ideation.
SARGF executive director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana said the programme comes at a time when more students facing financial pressure are viewing gambling as a source of income.
She noted that excessive gambling can affect academic performance, mental health, relationships and financial stability, adding that the initiative is designed to help students understand gambling risks, make informed decisions and seek support when needed.
The programme expands on the Taking Risks Wisely: Schools Edition, which focuses on preventing underage gambling and addressing factors such as peer pressure, socio-economic challenges and the normalisation of gambling. SARGF said insights from the school programme indicate that gambling-related harm often begins before students enter higher education.
