CEO of Mpumalanga Economic Regulator: Gambling should not be used as a financial solution

The MER works in the forefront of effective regulation of the gambling and liquor industries within the Mpumalanga province.

According to statistics released by the National Gambling Board [NGB] in their 2024/25 annual report SA’s total gambling turnover reached R1.5 trillion in the 2024/25 financial year.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mtsweni says people should not use gambling as means to put food on the table because that leads to addiction.

“We are very responsible for the  protection of players because gambling should always remain a form of entertainment not a financial solution. Other people think they can put food on the table if they win and this leads to financial difficulties that affect families,” Mtsweni said. 

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“So we work with the other regulators across the country and also the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation in our shared responsibility to protect the players. 

“We also refer them to the foundation if they contact us to report that they are struggling with addiction.”

The MER have received consistent clean audits from the 2020/21 financial year end up until now.

Their biggest partner, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation where they refer people who are already addicted to gambling to has different treatment programmes which include a counselling line that operates for 24 hours, seven days a week, an online assessment tool and have treated 13 745 patients according to the stats on their website.

Mtsweni gives more details on how people who are struggling with gambling addiction can get help.

“Well, they have to write to the regulator then we  send it to all the licensees and the National Gambling Board. Actually the National Gambling Board is considering a national self exclusion register that will be used so that whoever is struggling can be excluded nationally until they receive proper treatment.”