A 29-year-old Eswatini man shares how gambling addiction cost him his career, relationships, and financial stability, and why he wants others to avoid the same trap.
“I’ve lost it all,” was a confession of a 29-year-old former finance professional whose career at a leading insurance company in Manzini was upended by a gambling addiction.
Once on a steady path to financial stability and career growth, he now finds himself back home in the Shiselweni region, working part-time shifts at a local factory. His fall from grace has been swift and painful, a downward spiral marked by debt, emotional strain and personal isolation.
From Small Bets to Big Losses
Speaking about his ordeal, the young man revealed that his addiction had cost him nearly everything: his car, job, relationship and peace of mind.
What began as harmless fun quickly escalated into a compulsion he could no longer control.
“It started off as a small thing, E10 here, E20 there,” he recalled. “Then one day, I placed a E50 bet and won over E3 000. That win was the worst thing that could have happened. After that, I kept chasing that high.”
Mounting Debt and Broken Relationships
His monthly income soon became a gambling fund. Rent went unpaid. Meals were skipped. Friends and colleagues were approached for loans that remained outstanding.
As debts mounted, he began borrowing from friends and ultimately turned to loan sharks. He now owes over E11 000 and is unable to qualify for additional credit, partly due to a failed business venture funded by a personal bank loan.
His addiction also eroded personal relationships. His relationship with the mother of his child disintegrated, and he rarely sees his child, who now lives with his mother.
Emotional and Physical Strain
Isolation soon followed. Once sociable and outgoing, he now avoids public spaces and friends he owes money to.
Physically, the stress has taken a toll. He lost significant weight, appetite and sleep. At times, he would go to bed hungry, not from lack of food but from anxiety.
Gambling in Eswatini: A Growing Concern
His experience is not isolated. Across Eswatini, gambling addiction is becoming an increasingly visible concern.
In October last year, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta Simelane, called for the creation of a Gaming Rehabilitation Fund, noting the growing number of Emaswati affected.
Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, also voiced concern, linking the rising popularity of gambling to social media and online betting platforms.
Selling His Car to Escape
In a final attempt to regain control, he sold his car to settle debts. But within days, the money vanished through more gambling.
One particularly difficult night, he admitted, he gambled away over E2 000 in a single evening. Despite promises to stop, he found himself unable to resist the urge.
Seeking Help and Finding Hope
Despite attending counselling, life remains difficult. He admitted there were times he considered ending his life but chose to continue for the sake of his child.
Clinical Psychologist Sanele Dlamini urged him to continue counselling, join a support group, and build a structured budget while leaning on family and trusted friends for accountability.
Words of Warning
“I have hit rock bottom. But reading about government’s plans to support people like me gave me hope,” he said.
“To those who have not started gambling, my advice is simple: do not start. But for those already caught in it, please, take control before it takes everything from you. It is not worth it.”
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Ayivalwe le gambling lakagogo asikhoni kuti controller mosi