South Africa establishes online support group for gambling addiction
New group offers hope, healing, and community for hundreds battling gambling addiction in South Africa.
South Africa.- A game-changing new initiative has been launched by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) and is a beacon of hope.
Launched under the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), an innovative online support group has already assisted more than 400 individuals in its first year, each one stepping forward to reclaim control over their lives, often in silence, and often alone. But not anymore.
This virtual initiative, rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – is tearing down the walls of shame and secrecy that have long isolated those grappling with this hidden addiction.
By fostering a sense of community, the programme is shifting the narrative from solitary struggle to collective healing.
“Our support group is more than a resource; it’s a lifeline. By embracing Ubuntu, we remind participants that healing thrives in community,” says Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of SARGF, according to the IOL.
“The courage to say, ‘I need help,’ is met with immediate support from peers who truly understand.”
Whatsapp 24/7
The group uses WhatsApp for round-the-clock messaging and holds weekly sessions via Microsoft Teams, making it easy to access help at any hour, from anywhere. These safe, judgement-free spaces are where stories are shared, coping strategies swapped, and accountability reinforced.
Beyond the emotional lifeline, the programme aligns with legal safeguards outlined in South Africa’s National Gambling Act of 2004, including voluntary and third-party exclusions.
In the 2024/2025 financial year alone, over 4,000 referrals were handled, 902 of them for self-exclusion.
Anonymity has played a vital role in reducing stigma and encouraging participation. Many members now report being six months or more gambling-free, focusing on healing fractured relationships and rebuilding financial stability.
With plans to expand through regional hubs and local partnerships, SARGF is reimagining the future of recovery in South Africa.
