South Africa’s gambling sector has expanded at an extraordinary pace, reshaping how households spend their leisure budgets.
According to Statistics South Africa, income from bookmaker and online betting services soared from R10.1 billion in 2018 to R152.6 billion in 2023 – a rise of more than 1 400% in just five years.
This growth has propelled online betting to the top of the personal services category and placed gambling at the centre of household recreation spending.
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Business Insider Africa reports that households now allocate about 54.5% of their entertainment budgets to gambling, a figure that underscores the dominance of online betting.
Analysts attribute the surge largely to digital platforms, with easier mobile access, frequent promotional offers and live betting cited as key drivers. While bookmakers and online services lead the boom, traditional casinos have recorded far slower growth.
The National Gambling Board and industry reviews confirm that gross gambling revenue and online activity are reshaping the sector’s footprint in the wider economy. But the rapid expansion also carries social consequences.
Reports point to increased borrowing to fund gambling and a rise in weekly play rates, prompting calls for stronger consumer protections and more robust public education on gambling-related harm.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, contact the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation on 0800 006 008 or via responsiblegambling.org.za
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