South Africa’s Gambling Industry
Johannesburg, 07 October 2025 – South Africa’s gambling sector has shown remarkable growth, emerging as a powerhouse that pumped R1.1 trillion into the economy during the 2023/24 financial year. According to the latest National Gambling Statistics from the National Gambling Board, this multi-billion-rand industry generated R59.3 billion in gross gambling revenue and contributed R4.8 billion in taxes and levies. This surge highlights the sector’s resilience amid economic challenges, with betting leading the charge and creating thousands of jobs. As the industry expands, regulators are pushing for tighter controls to curb illegal activities while fostering responsible gaming. This performance marks a 25.7% increase in gross revenue from the previous year, underscoring gambling’s role as a key economic driver. With sports betting and casinos drawing more players, experts predict continued upward trends, but call for balanced policies to protect vulnerable groups.
The figures reflect a vibrant market that not only boosts government coffers but also supports tourism and entertainment. However, concerns over addiction and unregulated online platforms remain, prompting ongoing debates on how to sustain this growth responsibly.
Overview of the Gambling Landscape
The gambling industry in South Africa encompasses a wide range of activities, from traditional casinos and horse racing to modern sports betting and online platforms. Regulated by the National Gambling Board, it operates under strict laws to ensure fairness and protect consumers. The 2023/24 period saw unprecedented activity, with total turnover reaching R1.1 trillion – the amount wagered by players before payouts. This massive figure demonstrates the sector’s appeal, drawing in millions of participants across provinces.
Gross gambling revenue, which measures the industry’s earnings after prizes, hit a record R59.3 billion, up significantly from R47.2 billion in 2022/23. Taxes and levies collected stood at R4.8 billion, providing vital funds for public services like education and health. These contributions help offset social costs, such as problem gambling support programmes.
The growth comes despite global economic slowdowns, with local factors like major sports events and easier online access playing a big role.
Key Figures from 2023/24
The National Gambling Board’s report breaks down the numbers, showing a sector firing on all cylinders:
- Total turnover: R1.1 trillion, reflecting high player engagement across platforms.
- Gross gambling revenue: R59.3 billion, a 25.7% jump from the prior year.
- Taxes and levies: R4.8 billion, with betting contributing nearly half at 49.9%.
These stats show the industry’s scale, rivaling sectors like tourism in economic impact. Provincial boards, such as Gauteng’s, reported strong collections, with sports betting levies exceeding projections.
Growth Trends and Driving Factors
The 25.7% rise in gross revenue marks the highest in recent years, building on steady increases since the post-Covid recovery. Sports betting led with a 37.9% surge, driven by events like the Rugby World Cup and soccer leagues. Casinos followed closely, up 18.3%, while horse racing and limited payout machines also grew.
Online gambling has exploded, with easier apps and live betting drawing younger players. The shift to digital, sped up by lockdowns, now makes up a big chunk of revenue. However, this has raised flags on underage access and addiction.
Economic pressures, like high unemployment, might push more people to gamble as a quick fix, but experts warn this could lead to social harms if not managed.
Sector Breakdown: Where the Money Comes From
Betting remains king, generating 49.9% of taxes and levies relative to other modes. Sports wagers, especially on football and cricket, dominate, with horse racing holding steady.
Casinos contribute around 40% of gross revenue, with big players like Sun International and Tsogo Sun reporting strong visitor numbers. Bingo and limited payout machines add smaller but growing shares.
Provincially, Gauteng leads with high urban spending, while KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape follow, boosted by tourism. Illegal gambling, though hard to track, siphons off potential revenue, prompting calls for better enforcement.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond numbers, the industry supports over 50,000 direct jobs in casinos, bookmakers and related services. It also boosts tourism, with resorts drawing international visitors.
Taxes fund community projects, like responsible gaming initiatives that help those with addiction. However, critics argue the social costs – like family breakdowns from problem gambling – outweigh some benefits.
The sector’s R1.1 trillion turnover stimulates related areas like hospitality and tech, making it a key player in South Africa’s recovery plans.
Regulatory Landscape and Challenges
The National Gambling Board oversees the industry, pushing for fair play and consumer protection. Recent rules target online betting to curb underage access and money laundering.
But gaps remain, with illegal operators evading taxes and undercutting legal ones. The board calls for stronger laws to tackle this shadow economy.
Problem gambling affects about 3% of adults, leading to pushes for more awareness campaigns and self-exclusion tools.
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