
Research on Problem Gambling in the Western Cape
Mthente Research and Consulting Services was commissioned by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) to conduct a comprehensive study on gambling and problem gambling in the Western Cape, South Africa. The aim of the research was to inform evidence-based policy development and enhance the effectiveness of the WCGRB’s responsible gambling initiatives.
This study provided an in-depth analysis of the province’s gambling landscape, examining demographic patterns, modes of gambling, and the socio-economic implications of gambling behaviours. Mthente employed a rigorous mixed methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research techniques to offer a holistic understanding of the dynamics at play.
Quantitative data were collected through household and individual surveys to determine gambling prevalence, demographic profiles, and behavioural patterns. These insights were instrumental in identifying trends across age, income, education levels, and types of gambling activity. In parallel, qualitative data were gathered through interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, including patrons, industry players, and community-based organisations. This allowed for the inclusion of lived experiences, community perspectives, and critical reflections on the impact of gambling in the region.
A comprehensive desktop review of national and international literature further strengthened the study by contextualising the findings within broader gambling trends and responsible gambling frameworks. In addition, Mthente developed an innovative model for analysing the drivers of problem gambling, incorporating economic, psychological, behavioural, and cognitive dimensions.
The study’s findings offer the WCGRB a robust, evidence-based foundation for crafting targeted interventions and responsive regulatory measures. By combining statistical data with rich qualitative insights, the research not only maps the extent of gambling in the province but also illuminates the complex factors contributing to problem gambling. This work enables the WCGRB to design more effective, locally relevant policies and programmes that address the realities of gambling in the Western Cape.