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2025-02-14 10:54:30 +0200
To: Parks Tau , Trade, Industry and Competition
LIMIT ONLINE GAMBLING TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES
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* [Campaign update]: The Remote Gambling Bill will be reintroduced to parliament and opened for public comments. There has been a notice for submissions, interested parties can make submissions to [email protected] before the 07th of December.
Read more here: https://pmg.org.za/call-for-comment/1531/?utm_campaign=request-for-comment-from-parliament&utm_medium=email&utm_source=transactional
We, the concerned citizens, urge you to take immediate action to protect our communities from the devastating effects of online gambling. We request that you implement a comprehensive regulation to mitigate the harm caused by online gambling, including:
1. Limiting online gambling to 5% of an individual's salary, to prevent financial ruin and ensure responsible gaming practices.
2. Prohibiting public servants and all citizens from gambling with their entire salaries online, to maintain the integrity of public office and protect individuals from financial exploitation.
3. Implementing strict age verification measures to prevent underage gambling and protect vulnerable youth.
4. Mandating gambling operators to provide clear warnings about the risks of online gambling and offer resources for those struggling with addiction.
5. Establishing a national registry to track online gambling activities and identify individuals who may be at risk of problem gambling.
6. Allocating funds to support research, education, and treatment programs for problem gambling and its effects on communities.
We believe that these measures will help safeguard our communities from the harmful effects of online gambling, including financial hardship, mental health issues, and social problems. We urge you to take decisive action to protect our citizens and promote responsible gaming practices.
Read more here: https://pmg.org.za/call-for-comment/1531/?utm_campaign=request-for-comment-from-parliament&utm_medium=email&utm_source=transactional
We, the concerned citizens, urge you to take immediate action to protect our communities from the devastating effects of online gambling. We request that you implement a comprehensive regulation to mitigate the harm caused by online gambling, including:
1. Limiting online gambling to 5% of an individual's salary, to prevent financial ruin and ensure responsible gaming practices.
2. Prohibiting public servants and all citizens from gambling with their entire salaries online, to maintain the integrity of public office and protect individuals from financial exploitation.
3. Implementing strict age verification measures to prevent underage gambling and protect vulnerable youth.
4. Mandating gambling operators to provide clear warnings about the risks of online gambling and offer resources for those struggling with addiction.
5. Establishing a national registry to track online gambling activities and identify individuals who may be at risk of problem gambling.
6. Allocating funds to support research, education, and treatment programs for problem gambling and its effects on communities.
We believe that these measures will help safeguard our communities from the harmful effects of online gambling, including financial hardship, mental health issues, and social problems. We urge you to take decisive action to protect our citizens and promote responsible gaming practices.
Why is this important?
Gambling addiction is a growing concern, causing:
- Financial ruin: Gambling addiction can lead to bankruptcy, debt, and financial instability, affecting not only individuals but also their families and communities.
- Family breakdowns: Problem gambling can strain relationships, lead to divorce, and cause emotional distress for loved ones.
- Mental health issues: Gambling addiction is linked to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Public servants, in particular, have a responsibility to:
- Manage public resources effectively, which can be compromised by gambling addiction.
- Make decisions in the best interest of the community, unbiased by personal financial struggles.
Allowing individuals to gamble with their entire salaries online can lead to:
- Exploitation: Unscrupulous gambling operators can take advantage of vulnerable individuals, perpetuating financial hardship.
- Financial hardship: Gambling away entire salaries can lead to poverty, homelessness, and reliance on public assistance.
- Perpetuating cycles of poverty: Gambling addiction can trap individuals in a cycle of debt and financial struggle, making it difficult to escape.
By implementing regulations on online gambling, we can:
- Protect individuals and families from financial ruin and emotional distress.
- Ensure public servants maintain the integrity of their office and make decisions in the best interest of the community.
- Prevent exploitation and financial hardship, promoting financial stability and responsible gaming practices.
The Urgency of the matter:
The need for regulation on online gambling is urgent due to the rapid growth of the industry and the increasing number of individuals affected by problem gambling. The ease of access to online gambling platforms, combined with the anonymity and isolation of online interactions, has created a perfect storm for addiction.
Why Now: The time to act is now because:
- Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online gambling, leading to a surge in problem gambling cases.
- Existing regulations are inadequate, failing to address the unique risks associated with online gambling.
Risk: If nothing is done:
- Problem gambling rates will continue to rise, leading to more financial ruin, family breakdowns, and mental health issues.
- Public servants will remain vulnerable to exploitation, compromising their integrity and decision-making.
- Communities will suffer from the economic and social consequences of unregulated online gambling.
Personal Story:
As someone who has seen the devastating effects of gambling firsthand, I understand the importance of urgent action. "My own struggles with addiction have taught me the importance of responsible gaming practices and the need for support. I believe that by sharing my story, I can help raise awareness and advocate for change".
Mndntv delves into the harrowing stories of those who’ve hit rock bottom and seeks expert insights from a psychologist and the National Gambling Board on the urgent need for tighter controls to protect vulnerable lives. Watch the documentary here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hHJVwapt3A
- Financial ruin: Gambling addiction can lead to bankruptcy, debt, and financial instability, affecting not only individuals but also their families and communities.
- Family breakdowns: Problem gambling can strain relationships, lead to divorce, and cause emotional distress for loved ones.
- Mental health issues: Gambling addiction is linked to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Public servants, in particular, have a responsibility to:
- Manage public resources effectively, which can be compromised by gambling addiction.
- Make decisions in the best interest of the community, unbiased by personal financial struggles.
Allowing individuals to gamble with their entire salaries online can lead to:
- Exploitation: Unscrupulous gambling operators can take advantage of vulnerable individuals, perpetuating financial hardship.
- Financial hardship: Gambling away entire salaries can lead to poverty, homelessness, and reliance on public assistance.
- Perpetuating cycles of poverty: Gambling addiction can trap individuals in a cycle of debt and financial struggle, making it difficult to escape.
By implementing regulations on online gambling, we can:
- Protect individuals and families from financial ruin and emotional distress.
- Ensure public servants maintain the integrity of their office and make decisions in the best interest of the community.
- Prevent exploitation and financial hardship, promoting financial stability and responsible gaming practices.
The Urgency of the matter:
The need for regulation on online gambling is urgent due to the rapid growth of the industry and the increasing number of individuals affected by problem gambling. The ease of access to online gambling platforms, combined with the anonymity and isolation of online interactions, has created a perfect storm for addiction.
Why Now: The time to act is now because:
- Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online gambling, leading to a surge in problem gambling cases.
- Existing regulations are inadequate, failing to address the unique risks associated with online gambling.
Risk: If nothing is done:
- Problem gambling rates will continue to rise, leading to more financial ruin, family breakdowns, and mental health issues.
- Public servants will remain vulnerable to exploitation, compromising their integrity and decision-making.
- Communities will suffer from the economic and social consequences of unregulated online gambling.
Personal Story:
As someone who has seen the devastating effects of gambling firsthand, I understand the importance of urgent action. "My own struggles with addiction have taught me the importance of responsible gaming practices and the need for support. I believe that by sharing my story, I can help raise awareness and advocate for change".
Mndntv delves into the harrowing stories of those who’ve hit rock bottom and seeks expert insights from a psychologist and the National Gambling Board on the urgent need for tighter controls to protect vulnerable lives. Watch the documentary here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hHJVwapt3A