BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– The rising popularity of online gambling, particularly among young people, is becoming a growing public health concern in Eswatini, with the Ministry of Health warning that gambling-related stress, sleep deprivation and mental health challenges can worsen the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Health Promotion Officer in the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Department, Vusi Shabangu, raised the concern during an interview on the Kusile Breakfast show on August 10, 2026, saying gambling should be viewed not only as a financial or social issue, but also as a health concern.
“Mental health is severely affected,” Shabangu said, explaining that the pressure associated with gambling can have serious psychological consequences.
He said the problem becomes more pronounced when gamblers become desperate to win or recover money they have already lost.
“During the time you are desperate to win and putting your money in, you lose sleep at night,” he said.
Shabangu explained that inadequate sleep can affect a person’s mood and overall wellbeing, creating further health challenges.
“The first thing is that lack of proper sleep changes your mood,” he said.
He said the expectation of winning can also keep people trapped in a cycle of repeated gambling, particularly when they believe the next bet could bring a significant return.
“You think, ‘Today I might make E500,’” Shabangu said, describing the mindset that can encourage gamblers to continue betting despite previous losses.
He warned that the problem can worsen when people attempt to recover lost money by placing further bets, rather than accepting the loss.
The cycle can also be fuelled by an initial win. A person may stake E5 and win E50, then put the entire E50 back into gambling in the hope of making an even larger amount.
Shabangu said the excitement generated by winning can encourage people to repeat the behaviour and increase the amounts they gamble.
“Once you cross the line and exceed that E5, it is no longer responsible gambling,” he said.
The ease of access to online gambling has intensified the concern, with betting platforms now available through smartphones and other digital devices.
The issue is particularly worrying among young people, who are increasingly exposed to gambling platforms and advertisements online.
The health implications are significant in the broader fight against NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
While NCDs have multiple causes, gambling-related stress and poor sleep can negatively affect overall wellbeing and may compound other health risks.
Financial losses can further deepen the problem, particularly when people gamble with money needed for essential household expenses.
Shabangu stressed that food, school fees, electricity and other basic needs should take priority over gambling.
People are also encouraged to avoid chasing losses, as attempting to recover money through additional bets can lead to increasingly risky gambling behaviour.
Families and communities have an important role to play by paying attention to changes such as sleeplessness, financial difficulties, excessive gambling and emotional distress, particularly among young people.
Those who find that gambling is affecting their finances, sleep, relationships or mental wellbeing should seek help early rather than attempting to recover losses through further gambling.
As online gambling continues to expand, the Ministry’s warning highlights the need for stronger public education on its potential health consequences.
Shabangu’s concerns underline the importance of addressing emerging behaviours as part of broader efforts to prevent NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles.
With young people increasingly exposed to online gambling, greater awareness, family support and early intervention will be critical in protecting their mental and physical wellbeing.
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(Courtesy Pic)
