South Africa's R1 Trillion Gambling Crisis Explained | Politically Aweh

South Africans gambled over R1 trillion last year. A 30% jump in twelve months. And you can feel it everywhere.

Every billboard. Every rugby jersey. Every airport. Every second ad break. The casino used to be somewhere you drove to. Now it lives in your pocket, right next to your banking app.

This week the team goes deep on the gambling boom that's quietly become a national crisis. We spoke to a psychologist working with affected youth. A young person who got hooked and made it out. An economist. An MP pushing for tighter rules.

One question kept coming back. If South Africans are losing this much, who exactly is winning? Turns out the answer runs through provincial licensing, political donations, and a few names you might not expect.

We followed the money. It led somewhere interesting. Oh, and we made our own betting ad. A more honest one.

You'll see.

If this one made you think twice and you need to talk to someone, the toll-free gambling helpline is 0800 006 008. Confidential support, any time.

This podcast is a companion series to our YouTube comedy explainer videos about South African and international current affairs. Watch the show and subscribe at youtube.com/politicallyaweh.

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