'It takes real courage to admit defeat": Durban man on his gambling addiction

As South Africa's unemployment rate climbs, the National Gambling Board (NGB) warns against viewing gambling as a financial solution. A Durban man's gambling addiction story underscores the dangers of gambling during tough economic times. The NGB has urged citizens to manage their household finances and practice caution when engaging in gambling activities, following the release of Statistics South Africa's latest labor force survey.

According to the survey, South Africa's official unemployment rate climbed from 32.7% in Q1 2026 to 33.6% in Q2, highlighting the economic challenges faced by many. Young South Africans are particularly vulnerable, with 36.4% of those aged 15-24 reporting unemployment.

The NGB's 2023/24 Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in South Africa study reveals that 55% of identified problem gamblers fall between the ages of 25 and 34. One anonymous 22-year-old from Durban, who works in finance, shares his harrowing experience with gambling addiction. His gambling habits began as harmless entertainment during high school, fueled by his passion for sports.

He placed bets occasionally, initially treating it as a form of extra income while still in school. However, a significant loss triggered his gambling addiction.

Initially, he gambled occasionally, but after experiencing further losses, he began trying to recover what he had lost, spiraling into addiction. A big win that followed only reinforced his belief in his success, creating a false sense of confidence that exacerbated the problem. What started as entertainment and a way to make extra money soon led him to gamble with money meant for essential future priorities. He realized too late that gambling had taken control of his life, affecting his daily activities and relationships.

One of the most damaging aspects of gambling addiction, according to the young man, is the constant mental focus on the next potential win. He found himself starting each day excited about money he had not yet won, causing stress and anxiety when losses occurred. This constant preoccupation with winning prevented him from focusing on other important aspects of his life, such as studies and employment.

The gambler admitted that gambling became all about money once addiction took hold, especially when he found himself short on cash. He warned that this desperation often led to making the worst financial decisions, further exacerbating his financial woes.

His gambling addiction also depleted his savings, affecting his ability to save for education and emergencies. He emphasized the importance of admitting defeat and seeking help before the situation worsens. He advised others to avoid the trap of chasing losses, as the consequences can be devastating and long-lasting.