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Solidarity Research Institute: South Africa's online gambling activity up 390% from 2021 to 2025
A Solidarity Research Institute report says online gambling in South Africa grew 390% over four years, driven by mobile technology and advertising. It warns of financial risks for households and calls for tighter regulation.
South Africa's online gambling sector expanded sharply between 2021 and 2025, according to a report from the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) released on 12 October. The study puts the increase in online gambling activity at 390% over the four-year period and attributes much of the growth to mobile technology and widespread advertising.
The report also sets out the scale of the wider market. In the 2024/25 financial year, around R1.5 trillion was wagered across South Africa's gambling market, with online channels accounting for nearly three-quarters of that amount. The report stresses that this figure does not represent player losses, because the same money can be wagered several times. After winnings were paid back to players, operators retained about R74.5 billion in gross gambling revenue.
The report's author, Theuns du Buisson, argued that the growth should not be seen only as a commercial success. He warned that it could create serious financial problems, particularly for people already struggling to cover everyday expenses. According to the report, early findings from the National Gambling Board indicate that some gamblers are taking out risky loans or using social grants to fund their play.
The findings echo a warning issued by the regulator in August, after South Africa's unemployment rate rose to 33.6%. At that time, Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana urged households to put essential commitments first, including food, accommodation, transport, education and debt repayments, and to gamble only with money left over that they can afford to lose.
The SRI report also flagged ease of access as a major concern. Hannes Noëth, Executive Director of Solidarity Helping Hand, said that when money meant for food, school fees, rent or electricity is gambled away, the impact extends beyond the person who placed the bet.
The group called for tighter controls on gambling advertising, stronger enforcement against illegal operators, better safeguards for vulnerable consumers and improved regulation of online gambling platforms.
Based on reporting by igamingtoday.