Finance: When gambling becomes a financial lifeline

As the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, more South Africans appear to be turning to gambling in the hope of making ends meet. Old Mutual’s Savings and Investment Monitor 2026 found that 53% of working South Africans gamble, while 42% say they frequently do so hoping to cover expenses or debt. Africa Melane speaks to Thabo Hollo, Old Mutual Senior Programme Manager, about what these figures reveal about the financial pressures facing households Early Breakfast with Africa Melane is 702’s and CapeTalk’s early morning talk show. Experienced broadcaster Africa Melane brings you the early morning news, sports, business, and interviews politicians and analysts to help make sense of the world. He also enjoys chatting to guests in the lifestyle sphere and the Arts. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen.  Thank you for listening to this podcast from Early Breakfast with Africa Melane    For more about the show click  https://buff.ly/XHry7eQ and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/XJ10LBU  Listen live on weekdays between 04:00 and 06:00 (SA Time) to the Early Breakfast with Africa Melane broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3N  Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc  Follow us on social media:  702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.