South Africa's online gambling revenues hits R75 billion a year, but at what cost?

South Africa's online gambling industry has generated R75 billion in revenue in the last year.

It's a figure that raises urgent questions about regulation, addiction, and the future of digital betting.

In total, the country's gambling turnover reached R1.5 trillion in 2024-25, up from R1.1 trillion the previous year

It is a concern, says Responsible Gambling Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana.

Simelane-Quntana expects increased spending, given the lack of any meaningful efforts to regulate or curb online gambling

"There have been no regulations passed to minimise the harm," she says.

One area of concern is the rise in gambling addicts. Those who become addicted to the thrill of placing a bet, and who then find themselves unable to stop.

Compulsive gambling can become a clinical issue, says Simelane-Quntana.

"It co-exists with other co-morbid conditions such as depression, severe insomnia, schizophrenia, bipolar and, for some, substance abuse."

These are people who can't help themselves, she says.

They are dependenton gambling.

Another area of concern is the appeal of gambling to younger people.

The National Gambling Board have called for stricter ad regulations to protect youth. Simelane-Quntana explains what more can be done to prevent young people from being drawn into gambling.

"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 also refers to ads which appear on banking apps.

"Regulations can regulate the extent to which gambling is promoted on the apps."

It is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to gamble in South Africa.

To listen to Simelane-Quntana in conversation with Africa Melane on CapeTalk and 702's Early Breakfast Show, use the audio player below: