Talking Points for the Responsible Gambling Summit 2025

South Africa’s gambling industry is stepping into a defining moment. On 13–14 November 2025, industry leaders, regulators, and global experts will gather at Emperors Palace for the Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, a two-day event focused on keeping the country’s growing gambling economy both profitable and ethical.

Keep reading as we break down the key themes and discussions shaping this year’s summit.

A Balancing Act: Growth vs Responsibility

The gambling sector plays a massive role in South Africa’s economy. According to recent National Gambling Board data, the industry contributed more than R1 trillion to the economy in the last financial year, generating billions in tax revenue and supporting thousands of jobs.

But as the market expands, especially in the fast-moving world of online betting, the challenge is clear: how can the industry keep growing while protecting vulnerable players from harm?

This year’s summit aims to answer exactly that.

Understanding Harm and Protecting Vulnerable Players

One of the core talking points will be identifying who is most at risk, from young, first-time punters to long-time players affected by gambling addiction. With online betting becoming more accessible, experts are seeing a noticeable rise in problem gambling cases across the country.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has already supported more than 20,000 people through counselling and treatment over the past two decades, and the number of new cases has surged in the past year alone. 

The message is clear: responsible gambling isn’t just an industry checkbox. It’s a mental health issue that affects families and communities.

Closing Regulatory Gaps

Another major theme is compliance. Some operators continue to benefit from responsible gambling messaging and the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) services, like toll-free counselling, without contributing financially as required by law.

At the summit, discussions will focus on establishing stricter auditing standards, implementing mandatory operator contributions, and ensuring accountability across all licensed gambling businesses. The goal is to make sure every operator that profits from the industry also helps fund the programs that protect its players.

Using Technology for Protection

The rise of AI and digital tracking tools is another hot topic. Experts will explore how technology can identify risky betting behaviour early, flagging when a player’s activity patterns show signs of potential addiction.

This tech-first approach could also help regulate advertising and prevent the kind of aggressive, high-pressure marketing that targets vulnerable users, especially online. It’s all about finding smart, proactive ways to keep the digital side of gambling safe.

Learning From Global Best Practices

The summit will also take lessons from abroad. From centralised self-exclusion systems in the UK to affordability checks used in European markets, international experts will share proven models that can be adapted for South Africa’s unique environment.

The goal is to create a National Responsible Gambling Framework — a unified plan that aligns policy, industry, and community efforts to support sustainable growth without sacrificing player wellbeing.

A New Era of Accountability

The summit will wrap up with the Responsible Gambling Awards, celebrating operators and regulators who’ve shown real commitment to safer gambling practices.

Why The Responsible Gambling Summit Matters

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 isn’t just another industry event — it’s a wake-up call. South Africa’s gambling future depends on how well we balance innovation and integrity.

Because at the end of the day, a strong gambling industry isn’t just one that grows. It’s one that protects the people who keep it spinning.