South Africans Now Gamble Over R1 Trillion a Year – What's Behind the Boom?

We’ve all seen the ads — flashy banners, big win promises, and betting odds on just about everything from soccer to politics. But what you might not know is just how big the gambling industry in South Africa has become. According to recent reports, South Africans placed more than R1.14 trillion in bets between April 2023 and March 2024. That’s not a typo. It’s over a trillion rand.

As someone who follows the gambling space closely, I’ve watched this trend climb steadily over the years. But even I was shocked by the latest numbers.

Sports Betting Is Driving the Surge

Most of this action is happening in the world of sports betting. In fact, R761 billion — or about two-thirds of the total — came from bets on sports alone. Online sports betting, in particular, is exploding. Almost half of all gambling revenue in the country now comes from online sportsbooks.

It’s easy to see why. With smartphones in nearly every hand and betting apps getting slicker by the day, placing a bet has never been easier. You don’t need to walk into a casino or betting shop anymore. You just tap and go.

The Numbers Behind the Boom

Here are a few figures that stood out to me:

• Total wagers: R1.14 trillion
• Gross gambling revenue (GGR): R59.3 billion (up 25.7% from the year before)
• Online sports betting GGR: R28.97 billion
• Top provinces: Western Cape led the pack with R18.79 billion in revenue, followed by Gauteng at R13.10 billion

These aren’t small numbers. They reflect a major shift in how we, as a country, are engaging with gambling — especially online.

Why Are People Gambling So Much?

That’s the million-rand question. There are a few things going on here.

First, the tech side. Almost everyone has a smartphone now. Betting apps are fast, flashy, and full of incentives. They’re designed to keep you playing. The average user doesn’t need to be tech-savvy to get started.

Second, and maybe more importantly, there’s the economic reality. With an unemployment rate north of 32%, many people are struggling. For some, gambling feels like the only shot at extra income — or even paying the bills.

A Hidden Cost?

While the gambling industry is booming, it’s not all good news. A recent report suggested that 36% of gamblers use their winnings to pay off debts or cover living expenses. That’s worrying. It means that a lot of people are betting because they feel they have no other option.

We’re also seeing more calls for tighter regulations. Some experts believe the current growth is unsustainable — and potentially harmful to society in the long run. There are growing concerns around addiction, financial strain, and the way gambling is marketed, especially to younger people.

So What Now?

Gambling is clearly here to stay. It’s a huge part of the entertainment economy, and for many, it’s a fun way to engage with sports or chase a lucky break. But with the staggering rise in bets and the social risks becoming clearer, we need to keep a close eye on where this is going.

As someone watching this space, I think we’re at a turning point. The numbers are exciting — but they should also make us pause. Behind every bet is a person. And behind those big revenue figures are real lives, real wins, and real losses.

Let’s not forget that.