THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE

GAMBLING PROGRAMME

Introducing South Africa’s public/private partnership in responsible gambling

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (following the findings of the

best international and national research) recognises that with respect to gambling,

South Africans fall into one of the following categories:

• Thosewhodon’tgambleatallonanyformofgambling,includingthelottery.

This group was estimated to constitute about half* the South African population

in2009.

• Recreationalgamblers,forwhomgamblingisaharmlessrecreationandwhodo

notspendmoretimeormoneyongamblingthantheycancomfortablyafford.This

groupwasestimatedtoconstituteabout47%*oftheSApopulationandfrequency

ofgamblingvarieswidely.

• Peoplewho,withvaryingdegreesoffrequency,gamblemoretheycanaffordto

andruntheriskthattheirgamblingmaycausesignificantproblemsintheirlives.

Thisgroupconstitutesaround2.5%*oftheSApopulation.

• Peopleforwhomgamblingisanaddictionwhichtheycannoteasilycontrol

andwho,likeotheraddicts,oftendosignificantharmtothemselvesandothers.

Suchpeoplearealsoknownas“compulsive”(becausetheycannotcontroltheir

gambling)and“pathological”gamblers(becausetheyareseenassufferingfroma

psychologicaldisorderordisease).Thisgroupconstitutesabout0.5%ofthe

SApopulation.*

DEFINITION OF PROBLEM GAMBLING

* Source of Estimates: The NRGP’s 2010 Prevalence Report and the NGB’s Socio-Economic Impact

Report. Although these figures are calculated using the best available internationally recognised

methodology, this methodology is itself recognised as yielding only approximations.”

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMME?

The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) is a set of activities that integrates treatment and counselling, public awareness, education, training and research.

Itwasspecificallydevisedtoaddressthechallenges

posed for South Africa as a developing nation after the

legalisationofthegamblingindustryinmid-1996.

Itwasthefirstprogrammeofitskindinternationally

tointegratethesecomponentsanditstillistheonly

programmeofitssorttobejointlycontrolledbya

public/private sector partnership, involving government

regulatorsandthegamblingindustryexecutivesunder

theleadershipofanindependentChairperson.

WHEN DID THE NRGP START?TheNRGPwasofficiallylaunchedinJune2000.Whatstartedoutasacollectionofin-house

industryprogrammesistodayanintegrated,national,private/publicsectorpartnership

addressingtheissueofproblemgamblinginallitsaspectsandinallitsforms.

1

WHAT IS THE SA RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION?TheSouthAfricanResponsibleGamblingFoundationisanot-for-profit,Section21company.

The principal function of the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation is to ensure that

everythingwhichreasonablycanbedonetominimisetheharmcausedbyproblem

gamblingis,infact,done.

TheBoardoftheFoundationhasanequalnumberofregulatorsandindustryprofessionals

togetherwithitsindependentchairperson.

TheexecutivedirectorisnowafullmemberoftheBoardandthereisprovisionforadding

additionalmemberstotheboardasdeemednecessary.

WHO MANAGES THE NRGP?TheNRGPismanagedbytheSouthAfricanResponsible

GamblingFoundation(SARGF).

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR A NATIONAL PROGRAMME?Itismaximallycost-effectivetohaveasingle,nationalprogrammecoveringallformsof

gambling.Itwasalsojudgedimportantthattheeducation,treatment,counsellingand

researchfunctionsbeintegratedandorganisedcoherently.

Back (from left to right): L Mazibuko, D Auret, D Webster, T Ngobese Front (from left to right): P Collins, C Fismer, V Maphai, T Moja Inset: S Maja

2

ACCOUNTABILITYCentraltothephilosophyoftheNRGPistheprinciplethat,whilebeingfundedby

theprivateandpublicsectors,itsoperationandmanagementareindependent.

AlthoughitisprimarilyaccountabletoitsBoardofdirectors,itisalsoresponsibleto

thepublicandreportstogovernmentregulatorsaswellasdirectlytoProvincialand

NationalGovernments.Thereisahighdegreeofaccountabilityandtransparencyin

termsoffinancialmanagement,andreportsontheNRGP’sactivitiesarepublished

regularlyandcanalsobefoundonthewebsitewww.responsiblegambling.co.za.

WHO FUNDS THE PROGRAMME?AllgamblingcompaniesinSouthAfrica–includingthecasino,racing,bingoandlimitedpayout

machine(LPM)industries,butexcludingthenationallottery–contributetowardsfundingthe

NationalResponsibleGamblingProgramme(NRGP).

Thecontributionbytheprivatesectorisavoluntarycontributionof0.1%ofGrossGamingRevenue

(GGR=moneystakedlessmoneypaidoutinwinnings).ThiscurrentlyamountstojustoverR15m

perannum.

Inaddition,theNRGPreceivespublicgrantsforspecialprojects.VariousprovincialNRGPinitiatives

havebeenfundedbytheDepartmentofSocialDevelopmentintheWesternCape(since2002),the

GautengGamblingBoardandtheDepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentintheGautengProvincial

Government(since2004),aswellastheMpumalangaGamblingBoard(since2009).

Back (from left to right): L Mazibuko, D Auret, D Webster, T Ngobese Front (from left to right): P Collins, C Fismer, V Maphai, T Moja Inset: S Maja

3

NRGP ACTIVITIES Prevention

PreventionofproblemgamblingisthemainthrustoftheNRGP.Thismeans,in

addition to treating people with gambling problems, also seeking to ensure that those

whomaygamblewillbeabletomakefullyinformedconsumerchoicesbyhavinga

goodunderstandingofthedangersinvolvedingamblingandhowtoavoidthem.

TothisendtheNRGPrunsapublicadvocacycampaigntoeducategamblersand

potentialgamblersaboutresponsiblegambling.Thisinvolvesinteractionwith

interestedstakeholdersNGOs,governmentdepartments,themedicalcommunity,

schools,churchgroups,communitystructures,etctoinformthemaboutthe

programme,andacommunityoutreachcomponent,whichspecificallyeducates

peopleaboutthecounsellinglineandtreatmentoptions.

Brochures, posters and other collateral material have been produced in significant

quantitiesanddistributedtothesestakeholders.Extensivepoint-of-contactcollateral

including posters, stickers, brochures and signage are made available in places where

gamblingtakesplace.

Problem gambling has been called the 'silentaddiction' and is similar to alcoholism and drugaddiction in many ways.

Ask yourself or your client two simple questions:

1. How often have you tried to stop or cut downon gambling?

2. When you gamble do you ever spend more timeor lose more money than you intended to?

Compulsive or problem gambling can manifest itselfin anxiety and depression, creating serious issues infamilies and the workplace.

If you suspect gambling as the underlying problem,utilise the free counselling and treatment resourcesof the National Responsible Gambling Programme.Call the NRGP's problem gambling counselling lineon 0800 006 008 - our counsellors can assist withfurther screening advice and referral for treatment,if required.

A referral to the NRGP's outpatient or inpatienttreatment network can make all the difference toyour patient's wellbeing - emotionally, physically andeven financially.

One in 20 adult South Africans may have a gambling problem.

SA Family Practice297x210 3/28/07 2:18 PM Page 1

WINNERS KNOW WHEN TO STOP

It’s a free call and anyone can use this service.Trained counsellors will tell you about the different forms of help available.

If you need help with a gambling problem for yourself, a friend, a parent,

or someone you care for, call the National Responsible Gambling Programme

Counselling Line on 0800 006 008

1. Thatha isinqumo kuqala sokuthi malini othandaukuyichitha. Namathela emalini ozibekele yona.

2. Ungazami ukubuyisa imali yakho ekulahlekele.Lokhu kungakwenyusela ukulahlekelwa yimali.

3. Qaphela ukuthi ujwayele kangakanani, nokuthiudlala isikhathi esingakanani.

4. Uma uwina, hlaba ikhefu phakathi nendawo.Cabanga isikhathi esihle ongayeka ngaso.

5. Khumbula ukuthi ukugembula ukuzijabulisa.Akuyona indlela yokuceba ngokushesha, nomayokudlalela ukukhokha izikweletu zakho.

6. Ungakhohlwa ukuthi ukugembula ukuthathaishansi. Akukho zinhlelo noma izindlela ezibekiwezokuqinisekisa impumelelo.

Uma udinga usizo ngezinkingazokugembula, lwakho,

lomngane wakho noma lomuntuomkhathalelayo, shayela inombolo

yamahhala yokwelulekwa mayelananezinkinga zokugembula

yakwa-NRGP ethi

Uma udinga usizo ngezinkinga

zokugembula, lwakho, lomngane

wakho noma lomuntu

omkhathelelayo, shayela inombolo

yamahhala yokwelulekwa

yakwa-National Responsible

Gambling Programmes

ethi 0800 006 008.

Inombolo yamahhala, kanti

noma ubani angayisebenzisa.

Abeluleki abaqeqeshiwe

bazokutshela ngezinhlobo

ezehlukene zosizo ezikhona.

I-email yemfihlo: counselor@responsiblegambling.co.za

I-website: www.responsiblegambling.co.za

Inombolo yocingo +27 -21-674-5830

Ikhiqizelwe umphakathi yi-NRGP,

umkhakha wokusebenza ngokubambisana

nohulumeni/ozimela wabalawuli bakahulumeni

kanye nemboni yokugembula eNingizimu Afrika.

0800 006 008

UKUGEMBULANGOKUZICABA NGELA

UKUG

EMBU

LA N

GOKU

ZICA

BA N

GELA

Uma unamathela kule mithetho,ungazigwema izinkinga zokugembula kwakho

Abanqobi bayazi ukuthi kufanele bame nini

U M A U N E N K I N G A Y O K U G E M B U L A F O N E L A U - 0 8 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 8

Abanqobi bayazi ukuthi

kufanele bame nini –

hlakaniphela ukugembula

ngokuzicabangela

ZULU

4

Additional publications, ranging from treatment

protocolstoadvisoryleaflets,havebeenprepared

forinterestedparties,includingawidevarietyof

NGOs,medicalprofessionalsandeducationists.

A major facet of the broader public education

programmehasbeenanexternaladvocacy

campaigninthemedia,bothprintedandelectronic.

This has involved the production and regular

placementofpublicserviceadvertorialsnationally

innewspapersandmagazines,aswellasafocused

campaign in local editorial columns and on

actualityprogrammes.

Importantly,alladvertisementsplacedintheprint

andelectronicmediabygamblingcompanies

containashortcautionarymessageandthe

NRGP’sfreetelephonecounsellingnumber.

CARTOONS

5

NATIONAL SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

TheNRGP’sNationalSchoolsProgrammewasoriginallyinitiatedinorderto

ensure compliance with the provision of national gambling legislation which

requires that all school learners be taught about the risks of gambling and how to

avoidtheminthesamewaythattheyaretaughtabouttherisksofdrugs,alcohol

andunprotectedsex.

Inthehopethateducationcanplayaroleincurbingtheincidenceofproblem

gamblingamongadolescentsandunemployedrecentschool-leavers,theNational

ResponsibleGamblingProgrammecommissioneda15-lessonschoolcurriculum,

Taking Risks Wisely,aimedat13-16yearolds.

The curriculum has been piloted in five South African provinces, and has involved

53schools,179teachersandsome1776learnerstodate.

The first phase is aimed at grades 7 to 9 (13 to 15 year-olds), at the agewhen

adolescentsstartexploringvariousformsofhigh-riskbehaviour,coupledwiththe

needforgreaterindependenceindecision-makingrelatingtohowtheyspendtheir

leisuretime.

6

A Teaching and Learning Resourcefor Grades 7 – 9 in the

Life Orientation Learning Area

TManual COVER 305x260:TeachingManual 2009/10/16 11:29 AM Page 1

Theaimistomaketheteacher’staskeasier,providingclearscriptingandmaterialfor

lessons,transparencies,learningactivitysheetsandanswersheets,aswellasacomicbook

andaCDROMwhichwilleventuallybeavailableforwideraccessibilityontheInternet.

Afurtherintentionistodevelopappropriateresourcesforusebyyouthgroups(uptothe

ageof35)inwhichtheenhancementofskillsinsounddecision-makingwithregardstohigh-

riskbehaviourandskillsofresponsiblemoneymanagementwillbecentral.

Long-termplans include adapting the schools and youth groupmaterials on responsible

gambling for face-to-faceaswellasdistanceeducationusebyothergroupssuchasadult

educationfacilitators,socialworkers,andcorrectionalservicecounsellors.

Therearealsoexpectedtobeimportantincidentaleducationalbenefitsassociatedwiththis

programme,includingimprovinglearners’understandingofmathematicalprobabilities,their

moneymanagementskillsandtheircriticalreasoningabilities.

Byincludingresponsiblegamblingaspartofthe

lifeskillsorientationsyllabus,theconceptofrisk-

takingbehaviourishighlighted.Eventhough

thepercentageofyouthinvolvedinproblem

gamblingbehaviourisrelativelysmall,thesame

risk-takingelementsarecommontoalcoholand

drugabuseandunsafesexpractices.

Grades 10-12 will build on the material and

content of the first phase and start to introduce

moneymanagementskills.

The teaching and learning resource package has

been developed within the legislated structure

and prescribed requirements of the SA Revised

National Curriculum Statement and the Outcomes

BasedEducation(OBE)framework.

7

TRAINING

TheNRGPTrainingDivisionisresponsibleforthedesignandimplementationof

learningprogrammesthroughseminars,workshops,andconferences.

Traininghasbeendirectedatthefollowingindustrysectors:slotroute(LPM)operators,

thehorseracing,bingoandcasinoindustry;regulators,healthcareworkersinthe

WesternCape;HRmanagersandemployeesinGauteng.

TheNRGPalsofocusesonbroadeningtheskillsoffacilitatorsandstaffonthe

counsellingline,manyofthemformerschoolteachersorhonoursandmastersstudents

intheeducation,socialwork,medical,clinicalpsychologyorpsychiatricdisciplines.

Thereisnoonesizefitsallintermsoftraining,andthatiswhyspeciallytailoredcourses

aredevelopedforthedifferentsectors,provincialregulatorsandhealthcareworkers.

• NRGPBasicCourse,anintroductorycoursetobeattendedbyalllevelsofemployees

• NRGPAdvancedCourse,basedontheprinciplesofMotivationalInterviewing,for

managersandsupervisorsonly

• TheTrain-the-TrainerCourse,tofacilitatein-housetraining

• Regulatortraining,intendedforstaffattheNationalandProvincialRacingand

Gambling Boards

NRGPcoursesarealignedtoaunitstandard,andtheNRGPhasstartedtheprocessof

becominganaccreditedserviceproviderregisteredwithTHETA(thesectoralTourism,

Hospitality,SportEducationandTrainingAuthority).

Despiteworkshiftscomplicatinglogistics,andthedifferenttraining

levels prevailing at different gambling venues, the total number of people trained from

inceptionuptoandincludingFebruary2010is22733.

8

TREATMENT NETWORK

TheNRGPoffersaproblemgamblingcounsellinglineservicefromitsheadquartersin

CapeTown,aswellasanetworkofabout72treatmentprofessionals in53townsand

suburbsthroughoutthecountryandbeyonditsbordersprovidingoutpatienttreatment

freeofcharge.

TheNRGPhasdevelopedauniquetreatmentprotocolcustomisedforsouthernAfrican

problemgamblers.Itconsistsofasix-sessiontreatmentprogrammebyqualified

treatmentprofessionalsthroughoutthecountry.Itaimstomeetthetherapeuticneeds

ofproblemgamblerswantinghelpandinsightintotheirbehaviour.Italsoenables

therapiststomakeasignificantdifferencewithinalimitedperiodoftime.

Subsidised inpatient treatment is currently available at five clinics – in CapeTown,

Johannesburg,Bloemfontein,DurbanandEastLondon.

Since2003aFamilycounsellingprogramme(threesessions)isavailabletofamily

members.Thiscounsellingisdesignedtoassistfamilymembersaffectedbyproblem

gamblersonhowtohandleaninterventionanddealwiththeproblemgambler.

There is also a Continuing Care programme for problem gamblers who have completed

theNRGP’ssix-sessiontreatmentprogrammeandrequireongoingsupportingroup

therapysessions.

Another element of the service is debt management counselling which is provided for

patientsintreatment,ifrequired.

TreatmentProfessionalshavebeentrainedcountrywide,toprovideoutpatienttreatment

ineightofthecountry’sofficiallanguages.

Inseverecases,meetingwell-definedclinicalcriteria,theNRGPwillsubsidiseinpatient

treatmentatfiveidentifiedclinicsaroundthecountry.Thesecriteriaincludestrong

suicidaltendencies,otherconcurrentaddictivedisordersandgamblingactivitythatis

hopelesslyoutofcontrol,withtheriskofcriminalbehaviour.

Onaveragetwoinpatientspermonthareadmittedfortreatment.

Ongoing statistical monitoring of the service is of the utmost importance and treatment

professionalsmaintainaccuratestatisticaldatainthisregard.

9

Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient Treatment

JohannesburgMafikeng

Durban

Bloemfontein

Port Elizabeth

East London

LESOTHO

Maseru

SWAZILAND

WitbankPretoria

Polokwane

FREE STATE

WESTERN CAPE

EASTERN CAPE

NORTHERN CAPE

NORTH-WEST

LIMPOPO

KWAZULU - NATAL

GAUTENG

LESOTHO

SWAZILAND

FREE STATE

WESTERN CAPE

EASTERN CAPE

NORTHERN CAPE

NORTH-WEST

LIMPOPO

KWAZULU - NATAL

GAUTENG

Glenwood

Manzini

Upington

MPUMALANGAMPUMALANGA

KlerksdorpSecunda

Pietermaritzburg

Richards Bay

Nelspruit

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIANAMIBIA

Swakopmund

Kimberley

Newcastle

Hazyview

Empangeni

Phoenix

Strand / Somerset West

Cape Town

Saldanha

Welkom

Tongaat

Mthatha

Butterworth

Grahamstown

Rustenburg

Soweto

Vanderbijlpark

George

Bethlehem

Mmabatho

Queenstown

South Port

Louis Trichardt

Port Shepstone

Tzaneen

Krugersdorp

Mitchells Plain

Worcester

Caledon

Mossel Bay

Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient Treatment

JohannesburgMafikeng

Durban

Bloemfontein

Port Elizabeth

East London

LESOTHO

Maseru

SWAZILAND

WitbankPretoria

Polokwane

FREE STATE

WESTERN CAPE

EASTERN CAPE

NORTHERN CAPE

NORTH-WEST

LIMPOPO

KWAZULU - NATAL

GAUTENG

LESOTHO

SWAZILAND

FREE STATE

WESTERN CAPE

EASTERN CAPE

NORTHERN CAPE

NORTH-WEST

LIMPOPO

KWAZULU - NATAL

GAUTENG

Glenwood

Manzini

Upington

MPUMALANGAMPUMALANGA

KlerksdorpSecunda

Pietermaritzburg

Richards Bay

Nelspruit

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIANAMIBIA

Swakopmund

Kimberley

Newcastle

Hazyview

Empangeni

Phoenix

Strand / Somerset West

Cape Town

Saldanha

Welkom

Tongaat

Mthatha

Butterworth

Grahamstown

Rustenburg

Soweto

Vanderbijlpark

George

Bethlehem

Mmabatho

Queenstown

South Port

Louis Trichardt

Port Shepstone

Tzaneen

Krugersdorp

Mitchells Plain

Worcester

Caledon

Mossel Bay

TREATMENT CENTRES

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTRES

INPATIENT TREATMENT CENTRES

10

WESTERN CAPECape Town

TygerbergBellvilleGoodwoodParow/Vasco

HelderbergStrandSomersetWest

OostenbergKuils River

Southern SuburbsKenilworthRondebosch

Cape FlatsMitchellsPlain

Southern CapeGeorgeMosselBay

OverbergCaledon

BreederivierValleyWorcester

WestCoastSaldanha

FREE STATEBloemfonteinWelkomBethlehem

NORTHERN CAPEKimberleyUpington

EASTERN CAPEButterworthEastLondonGrahamstownMthathaPortElizabethQueenstown

LIMPOPOLouis TrichardtPolokwaneTzaneen

MPUMALANGAHazyviewNelspruitSecundaWitbank

NORTH-WESTKlerksdorpMafikengMmabathoRustenburg

KWAZULU-NATALDurbanEmpangeniGlenwoodNewcastlePhoenixPietermaritzburgPortShepstoneRichardsBaySouthportTongaat

GAUTENGJohannesburgSowetoVanderbijlpark

North Rand:AucklandParkBraamfonteinRandburgSandton

PretoriaHatfieldCenturion

EastRandAlbertonBenoniBoksburgBrakpanGermistonKemptonParkSprings

WestRandKrugersdorpRoodepoort

SWAZILAND Manzini

LESOTHO Maseru

NAMIBIA SwakopmundWindhoek

WESTERN CAPE

Cape Town: Kenilworth Clinic Addiction

Treatment Centre

GAUTENG

Johannesburg:ElimClinic

FREE STATE

Bloemfontein: Aurora Treatment Centre

KWAZULU-NATAL

Durban:LulamaTreatmentCentre

EASTERN CAPE

EastLondon:IkhweziNeuroClinic

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTRES

INPATIENT TREATMENT CENTRES

11

COUNSELLING LINE

TheNRGP’scounsellinglineismanagedfromthe

NRGPheadquartersinCapeTown.Itprovidesan

effectiveentrypointintotheNRGP’sprovincialand

nationaltreatmentnetwork.

Thecounsellinglineteamprovidesa24-hourseven-day

service,offeringfree,confidentialandexperthelpfrom

counsellorsspeciallytrainedtodealwithgambling

problems and who can speak to South Africans from

SouthAfrica’sdifferentculturalcommunitiesinthe

languageoftheirchoice.Thecounsellinglinealso

has an international number, allowing access from

neighbouringstates.

This service has established itself as a reputable

resourcewithinthetreatmentcommunity.

TheIntegratedCareProgramme(ICP)isafurtherservicetotheproblemgambler

thatwasinstitutedinJanuary2009.Thiscall-backservicestartsthreemonths

aftertheinitialreferralofthegamblertoaTreatmentProfessionalthroughthe

CounsellingLine.Itprovidesthegamblerinrecoveryfurthersupportafter

treatmentandanyrelapsedgamblerscanbereintegratedintothetreatmentsystem.

TheICPcallstakeplacethree,six,12,18and24monthsaftertheinitialcalltothe

CounsellingLine.

12

WHAT KIND OF HELP IS AVAILABLE VIA THE COUNSELLING LINE?

CallOurCounsellingline–0800006008

•Informationabouttheservicetowould-bereferralsandreferrants

•Telephoniccounsellingforproblemgamblerswhenreferralfortreatmentisnot

required or requested

•ReferralsofproblemgamblerstotheTreatmentNetworkarefacilitatedwhenindicated

•Dealingwithcrisiscalls,hoaxcallersandnon-problemgamblingcallsinapositive

manner.

13

STATISTICS ON PROBLEM GAMBLING CALLS

• PerProvince:Gauteng49%,WesternCape18%,KwaZulu-Natal

15%,EasternCape7%,FreeState3%,Mpumalanga3%,Other

provinces4%andareasoutsidetheRepubliclessthan1%

• 59%ofcallersweremaleand40%werefemale.

• 56%ofcallersweremarried;28%singleand11%divorced,3%

widowed and 2% separated

• 62%ofcallerswereemployed;14%unemployed:13%self

employed:3%onpension

• 54%ofcallersascribedtheirproblemtoplayingslotmachines

and20%totablegames.Ofthebalance,horseracing(3%)andthe

lottery(lessthan1%)featuredmostprominently;15%listedmore

thanonetypeofgamblingand1%Internetgambling

• About44%ofproblemgamblingcallsreceivedhavebeenreferred

fortreatment,althoughafurther48%ofcallswerepeople

requestinginformation,and8%frompeoplewhoweresuccessfully

helpedonthetelephonebythecounsellortakingthecall.

• IndicativeofthesuccessoftheNRGP’spublicaffairsandeducation

initiatives, on average 40% of callers obtained information on the

programme through press coverage or public service advertising

• Some46%ofcallersobtainedinformationabouttheNRGPvia

collateralorstaffingamblingvenues.

Source: NRGP Annual Report 200914

RESEARCH

TheResearchTeamisledbyProfessorDonRoss,oftheUniversityofCapeTown,

underthegeneraldirectionoftheExecutiveDirector,ProfessorPeterCollins,andwith

memberslocatedatsixotheruniversitiesinSouthAfrica,theUnitedStates,theUnited

KingdomandCanada.Duringthepastthreeyears,ateamofupto20researchershave

participatedinvariedactivitiessupportedbytheNRGP.

TheobjectiveoftheResearchworkcarriedoutbytheNRGPistounderstandthe

nature, causes and prevalence of problem gambling so as to facilitate the development

ofgoodpublicpolicyandtoenhancetheeffectivenessofpreventionandtreatment

strategies.

TheNRGPsupportsveryhighqualityresearchwhichfocusesontheparticular

circumstancesofSouthAfricaandespeciallyitslessadvantagedcommunities.This

research combines pioneering work carried out in South Africa with the application of

cuttingedgeinternationalresearchtoSouthAfricancircumstances.

Researchprojectsincluderegularstudies(foursince2001)ofratesofparticipationin

differentformsofgamblingandtheprevalenceofproblemgamblinginSouthAfrica.

Studiesarealsounderwaywhichfocusontherelationshipsbetweenpovertyand

ignorance and problem gambling as well as on the behaviours which distinguish the

majorityofgamblerswhonevergetintotroublewithgamblingtoomuchfromthefew

whodo.

TheNRGPhasbeenresponsibleforthefourmainnationalprevalencesurveysinto

gamblingandproblemgamblinginSouthAfricacarriedoutin2001,2002-03and

2005-6and2009,withtherequisiteinternationalpeerreview,aswellasanumber

of separate research projects, including studies such as a recent international

investigationintoself-exclusionpoliciesandtheimplicationsofInteractiveGambling.

15

1 TheNationalPrevalenceSurvey:Thisis

thefourthsuchstudysincetheinception

oftheNRGPin2000.Itisthemost

comprehensivenationalsurveyeverdone

of gambling behaviour in a developing

country.AfirstReportcomparing2008

resultswiththeresultspublishedin2005

and earlier was published in 2009 and

a fuller report containing new data on

the relation of problem gambling both

to individual forms of gambling and to

otherpsychologicaldisordersisnow

complete.Alongitudinal(panel)studyof

problem gamblers: Starting in 2009, and

extendinginto2010,theresearchteam

isconductingalongitudinalstudythat

will look into the causes of changes in

severityofindividuals’problemgambling.

Thisisaquestionthathasnotpreviously

beenscientificallystudied.Itiseasier

to gain this knowledge in South Africa

than in northern countries because of

the more rapid economic and social

fluctuationshere.

2 Thepovertyandgamblingstudy:In

early2009,dataontherelationship

betweenpovertyandgamblingwas

gatheredfromaperi-urbancommunity

inKwaZulu-Natal.Thisisanopportunity

to investigate the truth of anecdotes that

suggestunusuallyhighratesofpurchase

oflotteryticketsamongpoorerSouth

Africans.Wewillsoonhavetheevidence

to prove or disprove this assertion one

wayortheother.

March 2010

The Research Division of the National Responsible Gambling Programme

SUMMARY OF BASIC DATA ON FROM THE NATIONAL URBAN PREVALENCE STUDY OF GAMBLING BEHAVIOUR (NUPSGB)

Gambling and Problem Gambling

In South Africa:A comparative report

A REPORT PREPARED FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING FOUNDATION

(SARGF) BY PETER COLLINS (PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF

SALFORD, UK AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (SARGF)) AND GRAHAM BARR (PROFESSOR OF

ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN)

JUNE 2009

NRGP Comparative Report Aug '09.indd 1 2009/08/04 10:11 AM

CURRENT RESEARCH

16

YOUTH GAMBLING

InSouthAfrica,no-oneagedunder18isallowedtogamble.However,a2004survey,

A Profile of Youth Gambling in South Africa,conductedbytheUniversityof

WitwatersrandonbehalfoftheNationalGamblingBoard,confirmedforSouthAfrica

whathasbeenfoundinotherjurisdictionsinrelationtogambling.Thisisthatafairly

largenumberofyoungpeopledogamblemostlyamongstthemselvesoninformal

gamesandthatyoungpeoplearemorelikelytoshowsymptomsofgambling

problematicallythanadults.Thisissimilartowhatisknownaboutyoungpeopleand

indulginginriskypleasuresgenerally,i.e.thatduringadolescencethepropensityto

takerisksofallsortsisexceptionallyhigh,partlybecausethemechanismsforself-

controlwithinthebrainarenotfullydeveloped.ThisiswhytheNRGP’sprogramme

forschoolsfocusesonrisk-takinggenerallyratherthansimplyongambling.Italso

introducesthemtoissuesofdebtandmoneymanagement,aswhenpeoplegamble

excessivelythesubstancebeingabusedismoney.

3 StudiesincognitionandgamblingusingfunctionalMagneticResonance

Imaging(fMRI):Thisstudyincludesinvestigationofthewayinwhichthe

braincomparespresentandfuturerewardsusingfunctionalMagnetic

ResonanceImaging(fMRI).Thisisakeymethodfortestinganimportant

newinsightintoproblemgamblingthathascometothefore.Thegroup

ofproblemgamblersismadeupoftwodifferentkindsofpeople.It

includesasmallproportiontrulyaddictedtogambling,inawaythatcan

beobservedintheirbrainsand,intime,perhapscontrolledbymedication.

It also includes a larger group whose problems are less serious, come and

goovertheperson’slifetime,andaresubjecttoself-control.Establishing

thescientificbasisofthisdistinctionwillplayamajorroleinmovingto

optimalpolicyforreductionofproblemgambling.

4 Thepublicationofthemonthlyelectronicnewsletter,Responsible

Gambling Digest – a broad overview of international developments in the

studyandtreatmentofproblemgambling.

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Stable Number of Problem Gamblers

Finally,thenumberofproblemgamblersinSouthAfricahasremainedmore

orlessstablesince2001.Thisisinconformitywithfindingsfromother

jurisdictions where responsible gambling programmes are operative and

suggests that, with good regulation and the kind of programme we offer, it is

possibletokeepthenumberofpeoplewhogetintotroublewithexcessive

gamblingsmall,especiallyascomparedwithotherproblemssuchassubstance

abuseorexcessiveconsumerindebtedness.

Reputation

TheSouthAfricanNationalResponsibleGamblingProgrammeisverywell

thoughtofinternationallyandtheFoundation’sexecutivedirectorisregularly

asked to address international conferences and to advise governments on

responsiblegamblingissues.

EVALUATION

Testament to Training

Althoughitisverydifficulttomeasurescientificallyhoweffectiveourwork

isintermsofalteringbehaviour,theNRGP’strainingprogrammehasbeen

independentlyevaluated,togetherwithallotheraspectsoftheNRGP’swork,

byProfessorRobertLadouceuroftheUniversityofLavalinQuebec–one

oftheworld’sleadingauthoritiesinthisfield(hisreportisavailableon

the website www.responsiblegambling.co.za) whose comments about the

programmewerefavourable.Inaddition,quarterlyandannualstatistics

aremaintainedonthenumberofstafftrained(gambling/hospitality/

concessionaire)andthecoursescarriedoutbytheNRGP.

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INTERESTING FACTS & FIGURES

• Apartfromanincreaseinproblemgamblingamongstlottery-onlyplayers

between2001and2003,thenumberofproblemgamblersintheSouthAfrican

populationhasremainedremarkablystable.Thisinitiallysurprisingstatistic

isconfirmedbystudiesinotherjurisdictionsincludingNewZealand,theUK

andindividualstatesintheUSA.Thismayreflectthefactthatpeopledisposed

togambletoexcesstendtodosoillegallywhentheycannotdosolegally

andthereforeproblemgamblingratesmaydeclineratherthanincreaseafter

legalisation if appropriate measures are put in place to address this problem when

legalisationtakesplace.ThisseemstobewhathappenedinSouthAfricawhich

usedtohaveahugeillegalslotmachineindustrybeforelegalisationandthe

establishmentoflegalcasinos.

• Morethan22000industryemployees,stafffromprovincialregulators,andpublic

servantshaveattendedcoursesonproblemandcompulsivegamblingbythe

NRGP’sTrainingDivisionsinceinception.

• OverR91-millionhasbeeninvestedinthe responsible gambling programmeby

theprivatesectoruptoFebruary2010.

• Since inception 273 950 calls have been received by the tollfree Counselling

Line(0800006008)and10234callersreferredforfreetreatmentbyamedical

professional,onaverage97permonth.

• Morethan3085havereceivedassistancetelephonicallyfromthemultilingualteam

thatoperates24hoursadayandsevendaysaweek.

• ThemultilingualNRGPTreatmentNetwork,comprising72TreatmentProfessionals,

hasbeenextendedto53townsandcitiesinsouthernAfrica(comprising68TPsin

49SouthAfricantownsandfourTPsinfourtownsinthreeneighbouringcountries,

Namibia,SwazilandandLesotho).

• The www.responsiblegambling.co.zawebsiteenjoysupto1000hitsmonthly.

• SinceinceptionoftheAllPaycommunityoutreachinitiativeintheWesternCape

in2004,some1116paypoints in30districtswerevisited,reachinganestimated

116000recipientsofsocialgrantsand/oroldagepensions.

• SinceinceptionoftheAllPaycommunityoutreachinitiativeinGautengduring2006

some671ofthepaypoints inthemetropolewerevisited,reachinganestimated

224125beneficiariesofsocialgrantsand/oroldagepensions.

• Since2002, some68000 learners at197high schools in theWesternCapeand

since 2004 more than 136 000 learners at 231 high schools in Gauteng have

participated in an innovative edutainment programme promoting awareness of

problemgamblingamongyouth.Aprojected10000learnersinMpumalangaare

beingtargetedduring2010.

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WARNING SIGNS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING

• Spendingmoretimeormoneyongamblingthanwasintended

• Borrowingorstealingmoneytofundgambling

• Missingworkorschoolorothercommitmentstogamble

• Gamblingmoreandmoretorecoveryourlosses(thisiscalled‘chasing’)

• Feelingworried,anxiousandmoodywhenyouarenotgambling

• Familyrelationshipsbreakingdownbecauseofdebtanddishonesty

• Hidingyourgamblingfromothers,butunabletostopgambling

• Gamblingwitheverbiggeramountstoreachthedesiredlevelof

excitement(the‘high’)

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Multilingual

National Counselling Line

0800 006 008

Opentoall24hoursaday,7daysaweektollfree

Postaladdress:

POBox16331Vlaeberg8018

Telephone:

International:+27216745830

(officehoursonly;standardtelephoneratesapply)

Confidentiale-mail:

counsellor@responsiblegambling.co.za

General information:

info@responsiblegambling.co.za

Website:

www.responsiblegambling.co.za

NRGPOffice:

Tel:+27216745926

Fax:+27216745832

ExecutiveDirector:

ProfessorPeterCollins

Cell:+27836256155

Email:execdir@responsiblegambling.co.za

Fax:+27866046522

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