The Caribbean and South Africa are two regions where online betting is intensifying at a rapid pace. With growth comes complexity, some sociologically while others economically. This article looks into the efforts made to curb the industry’s growth, along with the resulting challenges that promote safer gambling practices.

Growth of Online Betting in South Africa and the Caribbean

Online betting is increasingly becoming commonplace within sports and entertainment across the globe. In South Africa, a staggering 50% of gambling activity is now online, according to recent statistics by the National Gambling Board. Furthermore, the Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) from betting increased to more than R5.5 billion in early 2024. Other regions in the Caribbean are also witnessing slower versions of these trends.

International gaming remains largely untapped within the Cayman Islands, and for good reason, as it is tightly controlled, but there is a rising use of International platforms. Even though there is a lack of specific data for the Caymans, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force has pointed out the increasing use of foreign-registered sites within the region.

A major player in this market is betway since they have a presence in South Africa and many other jurisdictions. The company has positioned itself both in sports betting and within the framework of marketing responsible gambling through tools and support features built into its services. This is increasingly common among large operators who are reacting to public and state pressure.

Impact on Local Communities and Economies

The growth of online betting businesses has brought about economic gains in some regions, especially where there are provisions for taxation and licensing fees. In South Africa, the industry is a major source of employment as well as providing revenue to the government. As per the 2023 South African Gambling Outlook report by PwC, betting is still the fastest-growing segment and is expected to grow more than 8% each year.

In the Caribbean, the economic aspects are less noticeable due to tighter regulations and the lack of local legal operators in several territories. Nonetheless, there is still concern regarding the absence of consumer protection and the potential for revenue to leave the region completely, as international operators do draw users from the area.

In social terms, the adoption of technology and mobile phones is changing how people interact with sports and online betting. In particular, the number of mobile phone users as well as those with access to the internet is increasing in the younger population, which could result in a greater number of users. This is a concern with respect to their exposure and long-term behavioural patterns.

Addressing the Risks of Problem Gambling

With expansion comes the visibility of addiction and other gambling-related problems. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), based in South Africa, noted an alarming increase in the number of calls to the gambling addiction helpline in 2023, particularly associated with sports betting and casino-style games.

The problem is not well developed in other Caribbean nations, where some governments have recognized the need to investigate the social repercussions of digital gambling. Mental health specialists from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and even the Cayman Islands are worried about the surge of gambling-related psychological and financial stresses, especially among young men.

Because of the ease of access and level of anonymity offered by the internet, problem gambling is often easy to miss and often goes unnoticed until severe. This has led to greater demand for the implementation of public information campaigns and enforcement policies regarding self-exclusion methods.

Promoting Responsible Betting Practices

With the increased availability of digital gambling, responsible betting practices have become an area of intense focus from both industry and regulatory perspectives. Gamcovered has taken steps to manage users’ gambling behavior. The operators now set spending limits along with time-outs, provide reminders of the risks of gambling, and require regular spending limit resets.

As public awareness has increased, regulators in South Africa have mandated advertisements to contain warnings as well as provide clear advertisement toll numbers. In South Africa, dedicated constituents, high school children, and university students are part of advanced literacy initiatives aimed at imbuing an understanding of gambling.

Betway and other moderation resorts have allowed users to set personal betting, self-exclusion limits, and a block feature enables navigational links to assistance services. These trends are aimed at fostering moderation without encouraging users to rely on help after problems have arisen.

Unlike the Caribbean region, where such options are less available, there is an increase in attendees. Caiman Islands are late to the game, but discussions have begun among the political circles and civil society organizations on how to approach potential future regulations of online gambling, with responsible use placed heavily on consideration.

The Role of Media in Gambling Awareness

All forms of Media, including community media, are already reporting on the economic and social impact of online betting. This coverage has helped to facilitate more balanced discussions that incorporate both sides of the spectrum, that is, one-sided support and full rejection.

In the Cayman Islands, local news has started to focus on increasing literacy rate concerning finance and the perils of online gambling as a form of entertainment. This is indicative of the growing concern among people about the impact of online betting on family life, consumer spending, and public health.

In South Africa, especially concerning the problem of reckless gambling, investigative journalism has revealed some unethical practices of some operators and inspirational stories of clientele who sought help and managed to overcome difficult gambling problems. The media, in this case, is one of the primary sources of information on the many challenges and solutions available.

The ongoing expansion in online betting in parts of the Caribbean and South Africa is yet to be fully understood. The region is facing possibilities and challenges that will most probably be managed through public interaction, proper media coverage, and responsible action by operators.

END

NOTE: Gambling is illegal in the Cayman Islands