On 12 February, Bishop will be 21 months clean, having paid off all his loans and is now financially free.
While Bishop’s story is that of home, many still find themselves fighting their gambling addiction.
In the 2024/25 financial year, gambling surged to R1.5 trillion
The rise was driven by easy online access, weak controls, and growing participation among young people.
Regulators and gambling recovery advocates are worried.
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Among them is Sibongile Simelane Qutana from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation.
She said they have tried every trick in the book to educate people about the harmful effects of programmed gambling, but advertising remains the biggest challenge.
“When you look at gambling advertising, it is normalising gambling in our society and exposing minors to gambling,” she said.
Qutana said that, as a foundation, they believe there is no adequate protection for vulnerable groups and the public, adding that the issue requires a multi-stakeholder approach.