South Africans betting beyond their means - Tips to reduce your risk and save

This Responsible Gambling Month, JustMoney shines a light on the risks of gambling as a means for cash-strapped South Africans to make extra money – and offers safer solutions for boosting income instead.

According to JustMoney’s inaugural large-scale survey, Money & Me, gambling is seen as a viable income-stretching option by those who can least afford it.

Given a range of choices for making their money go further, 3% of survey respondents chose online gambling over a popular cost-cutting option*^[1]. Those taking home less than R5,000 a month are four times more likely to choose online gambling, with men twice as likely as women to opt for this.

“With 60% of our survey respondents reporting that they feel worried or nervous about their financial situation, many resort to risky ways to earn,” says Sarah Nicholson, Head of Customer Experience at JustMoney.co.za.

“Enticing betting adverts, slick influencer posts, and an array of apps promise easy cash. However, reckless gambling can quickly tip an individual into debt, strained relationships, addiction, and job loss.”

JustMoney offers these alternative, low-risk tips to get more for your money and generate extra income.

Make every rand count

• Track your spending. Keep a record of your income and expenses. Knowing exactly where your money goes helps identify unnecessary spending and areas where you can save.
• Prioritise needs over wants. Focus on essentials: rent or bond payments, groceries, transport, and debt repayments.
• Use budgeting tools. Free apps and simple spreadsheets can help you plan your weekly and monthly spending.
• Plan meals and shop smartly. Prepare a grocery shopping list, cook at home in bulk, and freeze meals.
• Review recurring expenses. Cancel or renegotiate subscriptions, insurance, or services you don’t fully use.
• Buy second-hand goods, or swap. Purchase pre-loved clothing, furniture, and household items, or swap with friends and family.
• Avoid impulse buys. Wait 24 to 48 hours before purchasing non-essential items. The urge often passes, saving unnecessary spending.
• Use loyalty programmes and discounts. Take advantage of cash-back deals and loyalty points.
• Limit energy and water use. Switch off lights, use energy-efficient bulbs, and fix leaks.

Side-hustle tips

The Money & Me survey revealed that 36% of respondents have a side hustle, and many more want to generate income, but are not sure how to go about this.

JustMoney offers the following suggestions for boosting your income – without the risks attached to gambling.

• Freelance work. Maximise skills such as tutoring, bookkeeping, web development, virtual assistance, photography, writing, designing, and editing. Search for opportunities on platforms such as LinkedIn and Upwork, and niche groups. Start small, build a portfolio, and deliver on time.
• Hobbies and crafts. Explore income possibilities through hobbies such as cooking and baking, gardening, and light manufacturing. Sell at markets, through Instagram and WhatsApp groups, and via online marketplaces such as Takealot or Etsy.
• Home services. Baby-, pet- and house-sitting services, along with cleaning and home maintenance businesses, have low start-up costs and grow quickly through word of mouth.
• Consider renting out a spare room, tools, or household appliances.

When bets become risky

Gamblers Anonymous South Africa describes a compulsive gambler as a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any area of their life.

“The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner you take back control,” says Nicholson. “Don’t wait for gambling to take more than it already has.”

JustMoney offers the following tips if gambling has become a problem.

• Admit the problem. Tell family and friends about your challenges.
• Limit gambling payments. Speak to your bank about blocking merchant categories or setting transaction limits. Place important bills on debit order to protect money for essentials.
• Cut off funds. Cancel credit and ATM cards, or give them to your support person. Carry a limited amount of cash. Consider having two people as signatories on your accounts.
• Address debt. If you have fallen into debt through gambling, document what you owe, to whom, and the minimum payments due. Consider community advice or legal clinics if debt collection becomes aggressive. Many creditors are willing to offer repayment plans. To find a registered debt counsellor, visit the National Credit Regulator website.
• Request self-exclusion from gambling. This will result in you being unable to take part in any gambling activity for six months – during which time you can get free counselling through the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF). Request an exclusion via the provincial gambling boards, or any gambling operator, through their security department. Contact SARGF toll-free on their counselling line on 0800 006 008, WhatsApp 076 675 0710, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Block access: Install gambling-blocking apps such as BetBlocker to restrict your access to betting sites and apps. Change app passwords and ask a trusted person to store them.
• Remove triggers. Unfollow gambling accounts on social media. Mute key words and block gambling advertisers where possible. Avoid venues and groups where betting is encouraged.
• Report unlawful advertising. The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) publishes rulings and guidance on responsible advertising. Complain about irresponsible advertising via the ARB website.
• Join a support group. Many people find 12-step programmes helpful. Visit Gamblers Anonymous South Africa for literature, testimonials, and details of weekly meetings, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Consult a health professional. If gambling is accompanied by depression, anxiety, or substance use, see a medical professional. Visit the South African Depression and Anxiety Group for helplines and support groups, or phone 0800 567 567.

JustMoney.co.za is a trusted voice within the personal finance sector, helping South Africans make good money choices. The JustMoney platform offers personalised insights, numerous articles, and a range of financial solutions and tools, including a free credit score check.

^[1] In response to the question “If I need to stretch my money, I prefer to…”, respondents chose “Take my chance with an online betting app” over “Find restaurant deals”.