Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

World Service,21 Jul 2025,17 mins

The rapid rise of online gambling in South Africa

Business Daily

Available for over a year

In the first of a two part series, we investigate the explosive growth of online gambling since the Covid-19 pandemic. While betting company revenues have soared, many South African individuals and families are facing the consequences. We hear from recovering gambling addicts and explore how economic hardship, weak regulation, and the prevalence of mobile betting platforms are fuelling a national crisis. If you are affected by harmful gambling or are suffering distress or despair you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available for despair in some countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide (www.befrienders.org) Produced and presented by Frey Lindsay (Image: South African businessman looking at phone. Credit: Getty Images)

Programme Website
More episodes