As a nation of sports fans, South Africans have rapidly embraced the global boom in sports betting, but the potential rewards may be outweighed by its risks to mental health, including depression, substance abuse, addiction, and increased risks of suicide and domestic violence.
The National Gambling Board reports that referrals for problem gambling-related treatment amongst youth aged 18 to 35 shot up from 787 to 2,034 in the past year (2024).
Member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, Dr Thabo Mogotlane, joins us for more.
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