Raymond Phillips, 45, shares his harrowing journey of gambling addiction that began at age 13 when he first played illegal slot machines near an arcade.

What started as a casual game with a single rand coin evolved into a 32-year addiction that cost him his marriage, career, over R1 million, and nearly his life.His addiction persisted through adulthood, even after moving to Johannesburg, where he used NSFAS funds and later his pension to fuel his habit.A traumatic leg injury in 2015 led to online gambling, exacerbating his addiction.Phillips lied to his family and colleagues, using a workplace stokvel to fund his gambling.After a divorce in 2020, he sought help in 2025, completing rehabilitation and now volunteers to warn others.He emphasizes the vulnerability of children to gambling, especially online, and urges early intervention to prevent similar tragedies.