MPUMALANGA – The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) has intensified its campaign to clamp down on underage gambling, underage drinking, and illegal trading activities, as South Africa records an unprecedented boom in gambling revenue.
In a statement, the regulator reminded the public and traders that selling alcohol to minors or allowing them access to gambling facilities is not only illegal, but also punishable by law. This renewed push comes amid growing concerns about the rise of unregulated online gambling, illegal slot machines, and the sale of illicit alcohol, particularly around schools and communities already vulnerable to socio-economic challenges.
“The safety and future of our youth are at risk,” the regulator said, warning that these illegal activities are not just a breach of the law but a direct threat to public health and safety.
To enhance oversight and improve transparency, MER has upgraded its monitoring systems through the MEROnline platform. The system, accessible via mer.org.za and meronline.org.za, allows the public and traders to verify liquor and gambling licences in real time. This tool is part of MER’s broader effort to encourage compliance and accountability across the province’s regulated industries.
Recent national statistics paint a concerning picture, during the 2023/24 financial year, South Africans placed bets totalling R1.1 trillion, with gross gambling revenue reaching R59.3 billion, a 25.7% increase from the previous year. Sports betting accounted for the bulk of this, contributing R35.9 billion, largely driven by online platforms. Casinos followed with R17.4 billion in revenue. In Mpumalanga alone, gamblers staked over R359 billion, resulting in R12.98 billion in provincial gambling revenue.
These figures point to a growing gambling culture in South Africa, with young people increasingly at risk of exposure through digital platforms that are often difficult to regulate.
MER has called on parents, schools, community leaders, law enforcement, and licensed traders to join forces in curbing underage access and rooting out illegal operations.
“Protecting our youth requires a united approach. Communities must report illegal trading and ensure that all operators are licensed and compliant,” the statement said.
As gambling and alcohol use rise across the country, MER says it will continue ramping up inspections and monitoring to ensure that businesses operate within the law, and that young people are shielded from harmful exposure.
This provincial campaign aligns with a growing national call for stronger mental health support and addiction prevention strategies, especially among youth and unemployed communities. With easy access to mobile phones and unregulated platforms, young South Africans are becoming increasingly vulnerable to gambling-related harms. Studies suggest that a notable percentage of youth already live in households affected by problem gambling.
As the industry expands, watchdogs like MER say it is more crucial than ever to balance economic opportunity with community protection and ethical responsibility.
