

The rapid rise of online gambling in South Africa
11 snips Jul 21, 2025
Oscar Bishop, a recovering gambling addict from South Africa, shares his gripping journey through the often-overlooked crisis of online gambling. He discusses the explosive growth in this sector post-COVID, revealing how weak regulations and aggressive marketing are putting vulnerable individuals at risk. Oscar elaborates on the emotional and financial turmoil many face, especially young adults drawn into the thrill of gambling. His candid insights highlight the urgent need for better support systems and regulations to combat this growing addiction.
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Oscar Bishop's Gambling Descent
- Oscar Bishop began gambling young, inspired by his father and early wins in casinos.
- His addiction grew from fun to devastating, leading to financial ruin and despair.
Lockdown Fueled Online Addiction
- Oscar relapsed with online betting during COVID lockdown despite self-exclusion from physical casinos.
- He hid his addiction even from his family, betting obsessively at home.
Father and Son Both Addicted
- Oscar's son also became addicted to online gambling, mirroring his father's struggle.
- Father and son support each other now, both in recovery.