Prominent gambling advertisements displayed at King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal have drawn public criticism amid growing concern over the promotion of gambling amid what many describe as a national crisis.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that the adverts form part of an existing concession-based contract but said it is reviewing its advertising approach to address broader social concerns.

“Advertising opportunities within ACSA’s airport network are awarded through a concession model, whereby a contracted Concessionaire secures advertisers for designated sites,” said ACSA group spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe.

“Existing agreements are currently in transition as ACSA finalises a new long-term tender process for its advertising opportunities.”

Dijoe said ACSA is developing comprehensive guidelines to regulate advertising content across its airports to ensure responsible and consistent practices. “These guidelines aim to promote societal welfare, uphold ACSA’s pride values, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards,” he said.

A social media user posted about the adverts at the airport sparking an online debate. The public discussion comes as the DA has renewed its call for stricter oversight of gambling promotion, warning that advertising is fuelling addiction and debt among young and low-income South Africans. The emergence and growth of online gambling have brought about social challenges, including students using their NSFAS (National Students Financial Aid Scheme) funding on gambling instead of buying food and books.

DA MP and trade and industry spokesperson Toby Chance told Parliament that the “proliferation of intrusive and seemingly blanket gambling and sports betting advertising across electronic media platforms, billboards and sports bodies” has become deeply harmful. Chance said gambling operators recorded average revenue growth of 30% over the past three years, with online betting now accounting for 70% of all gambling revenue.

“Accompanying this growth are some more sinister trends,” he warned, “including expenditure of scarce monthly income on gambling by minors and social grant recipients.”

He argued that Parliament had “failed for over a decade to update outdated gambling laws” and urged support for the DA’s Remote Gambling Bill, which seeks to modernise legislation and regulate advertising to “protect citizens from gambling addiction.”

Consumer finance platform JustMoney also warned during its Responsible Gambling Month campaign that gambling is being used as a desperate means to stretch income.

“With 60% of our survey respondents reporting that they feel worried or nervous about their financial situation, many resort to risky ways to earn,” said Sarah Nicholson, the head of customer experience.

Nicholson said that “reckless gambling can quickly tip an individual into debt, strained relationships, addiction, and job loss,” while encouraging those affected to seek help through the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation.

ACSA said it is “engaging with concessionaires to identify practical solutions that balance contractual considerations with the need for brand consistency”, noting that similar measures had already been introduced at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.

THE MERCURY

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