IN the heart of Mpumalanga, where unemployment and economic hardship loom large, a troubling trend is emerging: gambling is no longer just a pastime but a lifeline for many South Africans who are struggling to survive.

A recent survey uncovered the sad reality of how South Africans in the province were turning to betting in a desperate bid to make ends meet. With unemployment soaring and the cost of living skyrocketing, gambling has become a high-stakes gamble for survival.

The survey, conducted during Bettabets’ second Smart Money Management Workshop in Crossroads earlier this month, revealed alarming statistics. A staggering 54% of respondents admitted to using their grant money to fund their gambling habits. For many, the hope of a big win is a tantalising escape from financial despair. However, this hope comes with significant risks, including financial loss, dependency, and the erosion of economic stability.

“I don’t have any income, so I rely on odd jobs and betting to make ends meet,” shared one punter at the workshop, encapsulating the desperation felt by many in the region.

Mpumalanga’s gambling trends mirror a broader national crisis. Last year, South Africans spent an eye-watering R1.1 trillion on gambling, a figure that underscores the growing reliance on betting as economic pressures mount.

With petrol prices up by 7% this year, food costs rising by 5.2% year-on-year, and average rent increasing by R453 compared to last year, households across the country are feeling the strain. Unemployment, projected to climb to 33.2% in 2025, further exacerbates the financial insecurity driving this trend.

The survey found that 89% of respondents were unemployed, with many viewing gambling as their only viable means of generating income. However, the lack of financial discipline among gamblers is concerning. At least 40% of respondents admitted to setting no limits on their gambling spend, while 17% stated they did not budget at all.

For some, gambling offers fleeting moments of hope, but the reality is often far grimmer. The survey revealed that 43% of gamblers only sometimes saved a portion of their winnings, while 26% used their winnings for immediate expenses such as food and rent. A further 9% relied on gambling earnings to pay off debt, highlighting a vicious cycle of financial dependency.

“I can’t afford to bet as frequently as I’d like; it’s risky to use my sole income on gambling,” said a single mother of three from Mpumalanga. “But if I win when I do play, then I gamble more often.”

This sentiment reflects the precarious balance many gamblers face: the temptation to chase wins often outweighs the need for financial prudence.

In response to these challenges, initiatives like Bettabets’ Smart Money Management Workshops aim to promote financial literacy and responsible gambling. Mathabo Sekhonyana, chief marketing officer at Bettabets, explains: “While gambling should never be relied upon as a financial plan, it can offer an opportunity for those who are unemployed to potentially generate an additional stream of revenue. However, it’s crucial that they approach it responsibly.”

The workshops equip punters with practical money management skills, helping them make informed decisions and avoid reckless gambling. Gary Walker, Managing Director of Olemera Financial Services, a partner in the initiative, notes: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see punters interested in better money management. Our workshops have revealed a range of financial habits—some participants already practice discipline, while others are just beginning their journey.”

The financial strain caused by gambling can have profound psychological effects. Dr Maseabata Mdee, a clinical psychologist based in Gauteng, said: “Without the necessary financial literacy, many people find themselves trapped in cycles of debt, which can have a profound impact on their mental health and increase the risk of gambling addiction.”

Debt not only intensifies emotional distress but also heightens the risk of conditions like depression and anxiety. “Empowering individuals with the skills to manage their finances can help break the cycle of stress, prevent harmful behaviours like gambling addiction, and provide the support needed to build a healthier, more resilient future,” Mdee said.

The rise of online gambling has made betting more accessible than ever, particularly to vulnerable groups like women and children. While the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation estimates that around 2.7% of the population are problem gamblers, the lack of financial literacy could lead to a significant increase in gambling addiction in the coming years.

For many in Mpumalanga and beyond, the road to financial stability is fraught with challenges. In a nation where economic hardship continues to push people to the brink, the stakes have never been higher.

The question remains: can South Africans break free from the cycle of gambling dependency, or will the lure of a quick fix continue to overshadow the need for long-term financial stability? Only time—and education—will tell.