Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

The Debt Trap Behind South Africa’s R1.14 Trillion Gambling Boom

Loading player...
Guest: Dehan Scherman - Process Development & Change Manager, National Debt Advisors



South Africans wagered a staggering R1.14 trillion last year on par with the national education budget. But behind this extraordinary boom is a silent epidemic of debt. Gambling participation has doubled since 2017, with 74% of youth now gambling, often using credit cards, loans, or even selling possessions just to keep betting.



Dehan Scherman unpacks how online betting, relentless marketing, and 24/7 smartphone access are fuelling a dangerous cycle where households gamble to solve financial problems only to sink deeper into debt. He reveals the hidden costs beyond money, from broken families to mental health struggles, and offers practical steps families can take to protect themselves. For anyone feeling gambling slipping out of control, Sebastien also shares the very first step to getting help.
25 Sep 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Tongaat Hulett official shut down

Tongaat Hulett is shutting down following the collapse of its Business Rescue Plan. Cosatu parliamentary co‑ordinator Matthew Parks explains what this means workers, their jobs and employee protections, and what this means for workers.
12 Feb 3PM 14 min

Chinese carmaker climbs to third place in South Africa’s market rankings

Chery Group has climbed to third place in South Africa’s vehicle market, selling 5,221 units in January and overtaking Volkswagen Group Africa, which sold 4,774. Renai Moothilal, CEO of the national association of automotive component and allied manufacturers unpacks this new shift in the car market ?
12 Feb 3PM 12 min

Responsible Mining Must Put Communities and Ecology at the Centre

With the Mining Indaba in full swing, one of the key conversations should be focused on why South Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development in mining still remains uneven. While economic growth and investment imperatives continue to dominate decision-making, environmental protection and community wellbeing are too often treated as secondary considerations…
11 Feb 3PM 10 min

Beyond Numbers: The Human Side of Financial Success in Entrepreneurship

A study by FinScope MSME has highlighted that South Africa is home to around 3 million micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, employing an estimated 13.4 million people, making small businesses a critical part of the country’s workforce and economic future. To work towards curbing the challenges of entrepreneurship, there is…
11 Feb 1PM 11 min

Valentine’s Risk: What Couples Don’t Know About Money

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many South African couples are celebrating love, but few are talking about money. This is where problems often start. Reeona Chetty, Head of Advice at Vouch, unpacks the financial, legal and insurance blind spots couples face in South Africa, especially those living together but not married.
11 Feb 1PM 10 min
All episodes