South Africa, April 8 -- Making ends meet

He said pensioners, students, and graduates who cannot find work are turning to gambling as a desperate attempt to make ends meet.

Makgoba described the forces driving gambling as both social and economic. "The inequality in our country makes gambling look lucrative. It's a 'try my luck' thing because people are desperate. There is a strong force pushing and pulling people into this."

"We need stricter controls on gambling ads, especially on television and live sports," he said. "Just as we have regulated alcohol and tobacco advertising, there should be a practical cap-or ideally, a full ban. Brands and sports players must take responsibility and avoid associating with gambling, as it can tarni...