In the wake of the recent announcement that the PSL (Premier Soccer League) has inked a sponsorship deal with major online sports betting operator Betway, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has called for heightened awareness around the pitfalls inherent in excessive gambling behaviour.

While brand alignment between sporting events and sports betting is nothing new, the SARGF has noted the increased public interest the PSL’s sponsorship deal with Betway has created among South African sports fans.

Given the nature of football, its vast audience, and immense popularity with South Africans of all ages, the risks associated with the over-stimulation of latent demand for betting—especially amongst the youth and those prone to excessive gambling—prompt the SARGF to call for heightened awareness of these risks.

Safeguarding Responsible Gambling Amid Growing Betting Sponsorships

Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, states:“South Africans love their football, and in future, we will possibly see a growth in the trend of sports betting operators looking to increase their brand awareness and alignment with the sports codes on which their players can place wagers. South Africa has some of the strictest advertising regulations in the world that govern the advertising of gambling services for legal gambling operators. Legal gambling operators also have technological interventions that detect underage gambling through the Know Your Customer (KYC) Principle and flag irresponsible gambling behaviour.”

As a close partner to various sport betting companies in South Africa, including Betway, the SARGF is confident in the following facts:

• Betway is a globally listed entity, regulated by strict measures that prohibit any form of illegal conduct, including match fixing.
• Betway is a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) as well as the Sports Betting Integrity Forum (SBIF)—two bodies that regulate and govern the integrity of sports betting.

The Growing Impact of Sports Betting Sponsorships

“That said, the growing trend of major sponsorship deals aligning with sports betting operators will ultimately impact excessive gambling behaviour, and there needs to be heightened education and awareness of the risks associated with problem gambling,” Simelane-Quntana adds. The SARGF stresses the importance of educating the public on the numerous interventions available, such as free counselling and treatment provided by the foundation.

Simelane-Quntana urges social gamblers to conduct a self-awareness assessment of their gambling behaviour via the SARGF to identify potential behavioural risks and seek care through the appropriate channels. To do so, individuals can contact the:

• NRGP Toll-Free Counselling Line: 0800 006 008
• WhatsApp ‘Help’: 076 675 0710
• e-Referral: https://responsiblegambling.org.za/digital-referral/

About the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and treating disordered and addictive gambling while promoting responsible gaming practices in South Africa. The Foundation’s primary objectives are:

• Prevention and Education: Raising public awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction and promoting responsible gambling habits.
• Counselling: Providing support and counselling to individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
• Monitoring: Evaluating gambling trends to influence policy and advocate for effective treatment of gambling addiction.

For more information on the SARGF and its programs, visit www.responsiblegambling.org.za.

Note to Editors/Producers:Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the SARGF, is available for TV, radio, and press interviews.

Issued by: Tishala Communications

Total Words: 492