---
title: "When betting is all you have left: Inside South Africa’s R1.5 trillion gambling industry"
description: "South Africa’s gambling industry just hit R1.5 trillion and it’s not just for fun anymore. Behind the flashing lights are stories of poverty, desperation, and survival. In today’s episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi talks to Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist at News24, about how gambling has quietly become one of the country’s biggest social and economic fault lines."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "THE READINESS REPORT"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-10-22-when-betting-is-all-you-have-left-inside-south-africas-r1-5-trillion-gambling-industry/"
published: "2025-10-22T18:12:04"
updated: "2025-10-22T19:37:49"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 49
---

# When betting is all you have left: Inside South Africa’s R1.5 trillion gambling industry

> South Africa’s gambling industry just hit R1.5 trillion and it’s not just for fun anymore. Behind the flashing lights are stories of poverty, desperation, and survival. In today’s episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi talks to Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist at News24, about how gambling has quietly become one of the country’s biggest social and economic fault lines.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 22 October 2025, 20:12 SAST · Updated 22 October 2025, 21:37 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where investment managers juggle global markets like circus performers, this episode dives into the dizzying dynamics of finance, leaving listeners both informed and entertained—because who said money talk had to be boring?
- New podcast episode explores pressing global investment trends and their implications for South Africa.
- Sponsored by Ninety One, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial management.
- Produced by a talented team, offering insights from industry experts.
- Available on multiple platforms, including Spotify, encouraging broader access to vital discussions.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wZz9dopj90)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/2d2b102d-f2e7-42da-be75-b024c39bbc2d?dark=false)

This episode is brought to you by global investment manager [Ninety One](https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa)

![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NinetyOne_Protea-Red_IFAWOC_HEXlogo_91.png)

**Produced by** Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard Kotze
**Original Theme Music & Design by** Bernard Kotze

You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!

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