“I Lost Over R800 000 in Just One Year”: Sol Phenduka’s Shocking 2023 Gambling Spiral Revealed

In a rare and emotional sit-down with IOL, popular Podcast and Chill co-host and Kaya 959 DJ Sol Phenduka has opened up about his secret battle with gambling addiction that almost cost him his career, relationships and finances.

The 38-year-old revealed he was betting up to R60 000 a weekend on sports and casino apps, hiding statements from his family and borrowing money to chase losses. “I thought I was just having fun until I couldn’t stop even when I was broke,” he told the publication.

Sol credits therapy, his Podcast and Chill partners MacG and Ghost Lady, and the National Responsible Gambling Programme for pulling him back from the edge. His confession comes as South Africa records a 41% spike in gambling-related counselling calls in 2025.Timeline of Sol Phenduka’s gambling struggle

• 2019: Starts casual sports betting after big Kaya 959 pay rise
• 2021: Moves to online casino apps during lockdown
• 2023: Peak addiction – loses R800k+ in 12 months
• Early 2024: Family intervention after missed bond payments
• June 2024: Enters NRGP counselling and stops all betting
• December 2025: Goes public with story to help others

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