Deputy Speaker, the ACDP thanks the Honourable Gana for raising this important topic. Since its inception, the ACDP has vociferously opposed the gambling industry in South Africa. Sadly, our warnings were not heeded and now the gambling crisis has deepened. We have a staggering R1.5 trillion wagered in 2024, 2025 years and simultaneously, mounting public resistance to new casino developments like the one proposed in Somerset West.
After 10 years, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board in September recklessly granted approval for Tsogo Sun to relocate its Caledon Casino, despite continuing strong community opposition and concerns about social harm.
This large-scale gaming and hospitality complex will be exploding on a tranquil, historic town in the pristine wine belt known for its medical and educational characteristics. The two hardly mix.
South Africa is certainly facing a gambling epidemic. The National Gambling Board’s 24/25 report reveals that total gambling turnover surged to R1.5 trillion as indicated—a 36% increase from the previous year. Online sports betting is now overtaking the national lottery in popularity, especially among the 18 to 34 year olds and gambling with the NSPAS funds, and pensioners with their SASSA funds. Addiction cases have risen by 55% with many gamblers using essential or borrowed funds.
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation warns that this boom is fuelling financial ruin, mental health distress, and family breakdowns.
And so, against this backdrop, the proposed casino in Somerset West, not surprisingly, has sparked fierce local opposition, citing concerns about easy access to gambling, youth exposure, and community degradation with critics accusing authorities of bulldozing the process despite public objection.
The ACDP encourages communities to mobilise ethically, resist normalisation of gambling, and demand accountable governance. Gambling destroys families and undermines the moral fibre of our communities.
Furthermore, the ACDP urges government to prioritise rehabilitation services and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of gambling. As kingdom builders, we have consistently opposed gambling and the expansion thereof, calling for gambling reform, stricter regulation, community-centred planning, and greater transparency in licensing decisions.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker.
