Gambling in South Africa Boosts Economy, but Destroys Others
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: In South Africa, there's a growing debate over the country's gambling industry. While it brings jobs and money to South Africa's struggling economy, it entices many to spend money they do not have.</s>SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: SABC reports on the industry and what the government is doing to help those taking a costly gamble on their luck.</s>KIM CLOETE, SABC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Until a few years ago, horse racing was the main event for South Africans hoping to strike it lucky, but proliferation of casinos has changed this. While betting on the horses that are still popular, it's now being overtaken by the lure of the slot machine. This South African</s>RODGER MEYER, NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAM: It is a condition that doesn't have a particularly pleasant prognosis: jail, divorce, death</s>CLOETE: And 3 to 8 percent of the gambling population are considered problem gamblers.</s>MEYER: They spend too much time, too much money, it affects themselves and their families negatively, and they feel guilty about their behavior.</s>CLOETE: Some people are being assisted by help lines. And the bank is also turned to the effect on the very poor, welfare officials are concerned about the proposed 50,000 limited pay- out machines, which will be installed in public places around the country.</s>CAS SALOOJE, PARLIAMENTARY WELFARE CMTE: There is no doubt that something that has to be looked at much more serious.</s>CLOETE: He is pleased that government is tightening up the industry, but worried about the spread of slot machines in both urban areas and the impoverished rural parts of the country.</s>MEYER: The proximity of the limited pay-out machines, whether it's at your local club, laundromat or pub, we're concerned problems related to gambling will increase.</s>CLOETE: What steps will have to be taken to limit the sometimes devastating affects of gambling on the