Gambling addiction is tearing families apart in KwaZulu-Natal, as pensioners, retirees, and even young people fall prey to the allure of slot machines and online betting platforms. A disturbing trend has emerged, with 27% of social grant recipients reportedly gambling away their monthly support.
Pensioners and vulnerable citizens are risking their last rands in casinos, hoping for a miracle that rarely comes. Last week, POST reporter Monishka Govender witnessed scenes of desperation at a popular Durban casino. Pensioners, some clutching their last R20, spent hours praying for that one lucky spin to double their money and help them through the month. For many, their social grant is their only lifeline for essentials like food, rent, and medication.
Yet, the growing appeal of gambling as entertainment and a potential escape from poverty has drawn more grant recipients to local gambling spots. The National Gambling Board latest report revealed that 27% of social grant recipients gamble with their grant money.
“I just want to win something small. Maybe R500, just to buy groceries,” shared a 68-year-old woman who had been at the casino since 9 AM. “Last month, I lost R300, but I hope this month is different. I even borrowed R100 from my friend, hoping to win something and not go home empty-handed.”
For many pensioners, the R2,180 monthly old-age grant vanishes almost as soon as it arrives. Some head straight from the ATM to the casino floor, chasing the elusive miracle. Senior citizen clubs often visit casinos on their outing days, and one club member expressed her desperation:
“I just want to win something small. If I can make R100, I can buy bread and electricity. This is my last R20. I come from a poorer area, trying to double my money to get through the month. Sometimes, I end up using my entire pension, borrowing money to pay my bills while praying for a miracle,” recounted a 63-year-old woman.
Many couples gamble to pass the time, which can spiral into addiction. A husband and wife from Phoenix explained, “We started gambling for fun because our children moved out. Now, it’s a weekly habit. Our kids send us money for our household, but we often use that for gambling instead.”
A 60-year-old widow described her reasoning: “I gamble for points to get free holidays. The casinos exploit our greed; the more you gamble, the more points you earn. I know I’m spending more than I should, but going to the casino helps ease my loneliness.”
A 65-year-old man, who began gambling at a young age, shared, “I used to gamble my whole salary. Now, I spend my grant on gambling before paying for necessities. I always think I’ll win, but I don’t. Then I have to borrow money just to survive.” He added that gambling addiction has repercussions beyond the casino. “They borrow money to pay bills, and some even turn to loan sharks who exploit their vulnerabilities. The problem isn’t limited to grant recipients; retirees have lost their entire retirement funds through gambling.”
Community leaders and social workers are sounding the alarm over this growing crisis, calling for urgent intervention and public awareness campaigns. Merlin Rangasami, chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal Gamblers Anonymous, stated that the situation is dire for pensioners using their government grants to gamble. “Many families contact us for help with addicted parents. They go to the casinos as soon as they receive their grants. They lose their money, then try to win it back but end up losing everything.”
Brandon Pillay, a community activist, warned that the rise of online gambling has made the issue more pervasive and harder to control. “With online gambling, you don’t even need to leave home, making it easier for children and young people to access these platforms.” Pillay criticized the lack of education and awareness surrounding gambling addiction. “There’s not enough done to create awareness. Gambling is addictive and shows the desperation of those with low income.”
Aroona Chetty from Phoenix Child Welfare highlighted the social impacts of gambling addiction on families. “Gambling affects family units and contributes to social issues in our community. We monitor clients receiving foster care grants, as gambling increases stress and can lead to mental health problems for loved ones.” Chetty urged individuals struggling with gambling to seek support. “We encourage those with gambling addictions to be honest about their urges and reach out for help.”
