Online Betting Drives Record Growth in South Africa’s Gambling Sector

South Africa’s gambling industry has reached new highs, generating R75 billion in gross gambling revenue during the 2024/25 financial year. Yet, the rapid expansion of online betting is prompting renewed warnings about addiction, underage exposure, and the urgent need for regulation.

Figures from the National Gambling Board (NGB) show the country’s total gambling turnover climbed to R1.5 trillion ($86 billion) in 2024/25, compared to R1.1 trillion the previous year. The regulator attributed this sharp rise largely to online sports betting, which now makes up 60% of all gambling revenue in the country.

Online Growth Reshapes the Industry

Online betting dominated the market, accounting for about R52.3 billion—or nearly 70%—of total gambling revenue. Casinos, once the backbone of the industry, contributed R16.6 billion, while the Limited Payout Machines (LPM) and bingo sectors generated R4.1 billion and R1.7 billion respectively.

The casino segment continued to lose ground, with revenue down 4.1% from the previous year. The number of operational slot machines fell by 2% to 21,370, while table games decreased from 910 to 890. The NGB linked this decline to shifting player habits, noting that many gamblers have transitioned from physical venues to online platforms offering convenience and wider access.

The regulator highlighted that the shift to digital gambling first accelerated during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when players sought new forms of entertainment at home. Since then, the trend has become a defining feature of South Africa’s gambling landscape.

Balancing Economic Value and Social Harm

Despite mounting concerns, the gambling industry continues to contribute significantly to the economy. According to the NGB, it supports more than 177,000 direct and indirect jobs and generated R5.8 billion in taxes and levies during 2024/25. The Western Cape accounted for the largest share of these collections.

However, experts warn that these gains come alongside escalating social risks. Responsible Gambling Foundation Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana said the absence of fresh legislation has allowed harmful gambling behavior to spread unchecked. “There have been no regulations passed to minimise the harm,” she stated.

She noted that addiction often develops into a clinical problem, adding that “it co-exists with other co-morbid conditions such as depression, severe insomnia, schizophrenia, bipolar and, for some, substance abuse.” According to Simelane-Quntana, those who develop gambling addictions “are dependent on gambling” and struggle to stop on their own.

Youth Exposure Fuels Concern

Authorities are also warning about the growing visibility of gambling advertising, particularly its reach among younger audiences. The National Gambling Board has called for stricter ad guidelines to protect minors. Simelane-Quntana said current practices make it difficult for parents to shield children from gambling promotions.

“As it is now, you are in the car with your kids and you hear a gambling promotion airing on the radio. We need to regulate the times [the ads] take place,” she said, adding that gambling ads have even appeared within banking apps. She urged regulators to impose limits on such promotions to reduce exposure.

South African law prohibits anyone under 18 from gambling, but industry observers say stricter controls are needed to uphold that rule in the digital era.

Gambling Becomes Part of Daily Life

Research from Old Mutual’s 2025 Savings and Investments Monitor found that more than half of working South Africans—52%—participate in gambling, with men aged 30 to 49 being the most active. Around 40% of those surveyed gamble frequently, often to manage living costs or debts.

Sports betting remains the most common form of gambling at 61%, followed by the lottery at 53% and slots at 52%. Over 60% of gamblers said they play at least once a week, while 10% do so daily. The NGB added that overall gambling participation reached 65.7% in 2024/25, with 31% of gamblers classified as problem players.

Statistics South Africa reported that gambling now accounts for nearly 55% of household spending within the recreation, sport, and culture category—1.6% of total household expenditure—placing it just behind beer in the Consumer Price Index.

While online gambling has become a major source of revenue and jobs, experts caution that without stronger oversight, its rapid rise could deepen financial and mental health challenges for many South Africans.

Sources: South Africa’s online gambling revenues hits R75 billion a year – but at what cost, Eyewitness News, October 16, 2025.