Pensioners and families devastated by rising gambling addiction in KZN

DESPERATION AT THE SLOTS: PENSIONER GAMBLES AWAY HER LAST R20 HOPING FOR A WIN

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Gambling addiction is tearing families apart in KwaZulu-Natal, with pensioners, retirees and even young people falling prey to the lure of slot machines and online betting platforms.

A disturbing trend has emerged with 27% of social grant recipients gambling away their monthly lifeline.

Pensioners and vulnerable citizens are risking their last rand in casinos, hoping for a miracle that rarely comes. Last week, POST reporter Monishka Govender, found scenes of desperation unfolding at a popular Durban casino

PENSIONERS, some clutching their last R20, sat for hours, hoping and praying that one lucky spin would double their money and help them through the financial hardships of the month.

For most pensioners, their social grant is their only lifeline for food, rent and medication. Yet, the growing allure of gambling — as entertainment and a potential escape from poverty — has drawn an increasing number of grant recipients to local gambling outlets.

The National Gambling Board’s latest report revealed that 27% of the social grant recipients gambled with their grant money.

“I just want to win something small. Maybe R500, just to buy groceries. Last month, I lost R300, but maybe this month it will be my turn to win. I came with the last bit of my grant, hoping to double my winnings and have more money to get me through the month. I already lost my money but I borrowed R100 from my friend, hoping to win something and not go home empty-handed,” said a 68-year-old woman who had been at the casino from 9am that day.

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, hoping for a miracle that rarely comes.

Many senior citizen clubs also visit casinos on their “outing” days. Here, one club member clutched her last R20 note.