South Africa’s gambling industry has reached unprecedented levels, generating a record R75 billion in gross gambling revenue for the 2024/25 financial year. However, the rapid expansion of online betting has raised serious concerns about addiction, youth exposure, and the country’s limited regulatory response.
According to data presented by the National Gambling Board (NGB) to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, total gambling turnover climbed to R1.5 trillion ($86 billion) in 2024/25, compared to R1.1 trillion the previous year. The NGB attributed the increase primarily to the surge in online betting, which now represents 60% of South Africa’s gambling revenue.
Online Betting Drives Record Growth
The NGB’s figures show that betting—including online platforms—accounted for roughly 70% of the total, or R52.3 billion. Casino revenue reached R16.6 billion, representing 22% of the market, while the Limited Payout Machines (LPM) sector generated R4.1 billion. Bingo contributed R1.7 billion during the same period.
Despite the strong performance of digital betting, the casino industry faced a downturn, with revenues dropping 4.1% year-on-year. The regulator noted a reduction in both slot machines and table games at licensed venues, pointing to gamblers’ growing preference for online slots. The number of operational slot machines fell from 21,813 to 21,370, while active tables declined from 910 to 890.
The shift toward online gambling began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when movement restrictions drove players toward digital alternatives. That trend has since intensified, reshaping the country’s gambling landscape.
Economic Benefits and Social Risks
The NGB emphasized that the industry remains a significant source of employment and public revenue. Gambling supports 33,169 direct jobs and over 144,000 indirect positions nationwide. In 2024/25, taxes and levies collected from gambling reached R5.8 billion ($332 million), with the Western Cape contributing the largest share.
Yet, the economic gains come at a social cost. According to the Responsible Gambling Foundation’s executive director, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, the lack of updated legislation has allowed harmful behavior to spread unchecked. “There have been no regulations passed to minimise the harm,” she said, adding that rising cases of addiction often coincide with mental health disorders such as depression, insomnia, or substance abuse.
Simelane-Quntana also warned that gambling is increasingly attracting younger audiences. “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, noting that advertisements also appear on banking apps. She argued that regulators should restrict how and when gambling promotions are displayed to prevent underage exposure.
Under South African law, it remains illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble.
Rising Participation and Household Spending
The latest Old Mutual Savings and Investments Monitor revealed that 52% of working South Africans gamble, with men aged 30 to 49 making up the largest segment. About 40% gamble frequently, often to pay for daily expenses or debts. Sports betting leads in popularity at 61%, followed by the lottery at 53% and slots at 52%.
The NGB reported that 65.7% of South Africans engaged in some form of gambling during 2024/25, while 31% of those gamblers showed signs of problem gambling. Statistics South Africa further noted that gambling now makes up nearly 55% of household spending on recreation, sport, and culture—equivalent to 1.6% of total household expenditure.
As gambling becomes a mainstream pastime, experts are urging policymakers to introduce stronger safeguards. Without comprehensive regulation, they warn, the social toll may soon overshadow the sector’s financial success.
Sources:
South Africa’s online gambling revenues hits R75 billion a year – but at what cost, ewn.co.za, October 16, 2025.
