Why South Africa is seeing a rise in gambling

Loading player...
GUEST – Eunice Sibiya - Educator & Coach on Personal Financial management

Gambling is not a new phenomenon. From the gleaming slot machines on casino floors to playing “dice” on a random street corner, it has been and continues to be an activity in which many engage — whether young or old. However, online gambling, made accessible largely by smartphones, has become an even more attractive option to those wanting to try their luck.

Social media, Twitter especially, has become a platform where young people routinely share their personal gambling experiences. These are young people who bet on such online sites as Lottostar, Betway, Hollywoodbets and World Sports Betting, for example. Many of these young people bet continually on football games.

They talk openly about this, to the point of sharing screenshots of winnings. What has been distinctly amiss, however, are the converse narratives. What about everyone else who is gambling online but losing?
23 Oct 2023 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Family Business to National Player: Anton Gillis on SA’s Hospitality Future

Platinum Hospitality Holdings is set to announce Anton Gillis as its new CEO — marking a major succession moment for one of SA’s leading family‑built hotel groups. Anton shares what the group is seeing on the ground across its national portfolio, where hospitality demand is growing, how operators are navigating…
27 Jul 1PM 15 min

SA Consumers Under Pressure: Retail Signals & MPC Reality

South Africa’s consumer is flashing warning signs — and two retail updates have sharpened the picture. Cashbuild’s weak building materials demand and Mr Price’s shift toward value purchases reveal households under severe pressure. Market analyst The Finance Ghost unpacks how sticky inflation, high interest rates and the MPC’s cautious stance…
27 Jul 12PM 12 min

Why Women’s Financial Empowerment Is an Economic Multiplier

Women’s financial empowerment has the potential to drive economic growth, strengthen households and create lasting generational wealth. Kaya Biz speaks to Alexandra Nortier, Joint Head of Wealth Management at Investec Wealth & Investment International, about why Investec is backing the JSE SheInvests 2026 initiative, the barriers keeping women out of…
23 Jul 1PM 7 min

Affordable Diabetes Care Arrives in SA with Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk South Africa GM Sara Norcross explains the launch of the country’s only authorised copy of semaglutide, manufactured using the identical API, process and device as the originator — but at a more affordable price. We unpack what an authorised copy is, why SAHPRA registration matters, how the Acino…
23 Jul 1PM 14 min

SARB holds rates steady in July MPC – What It Means for You

Momentum economist Tshiamo Masike unpacks the SARB’s decision to pause, the upside inflation surprise, and the global factors driving the MPC’s decision. We explore how rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and weakening consumer confidence shaped the call — and what households, businesses and markets should expect next. A sharp, data‑driven…
23 Jul 1PM 14 min