FOR many South Africans, a bet on a soccer match or a quick spin on an online gambling app may seem like harmless fun.
A R20 here. R50 there. Maybe R100 on payday. But when money is already tight, those small bets can quickly add up. And when people start gambling with money meant for food, electricity, transport or bills, the consequences can be severe
South Africans are gambling enormous amounts of money. During the 2024-25 financial year, around R1.5 trillion was wagered in SA. That does not mean South Africans lost R1.5 trillion. The figure included money that was won and then bet again.
Perhaps more worrying than the amount being gambled is why some South Africans are gambling. For somebody sukkeling to make it to payday, the promise…