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

The MER regulates the gambling and liquor industries in Mpumalanga, ensuring that operators comply with regulations while also promoting responsible gambling among players.

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 warned that viewing gambling as a way to generate income could lead to serious financial and social consequences.

“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 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 added that regulators work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that players who experience gambling-related harm receive the support they need and also outlined how individuals struggling with gambling addiction can seek assistance.

“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.”