Online gambling market has surged by 220% in four years

Keely Goodall

Keely Goodall

17 October 2025 | 15:18

South Africans legally gambled nearly R75bn in the last financial year, most of this online.

Online gambling market has surged by 220% in four years

Online gambling, crop. Pexels/Chris F

Sports betting and online betting have surged dramatically, accounting for 70% of the R75 billion gambling spend.

The online gambling market has grown by 220% in the last four years, while casino visits have declined.

The spike in online gambling was sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has surfaced that 52% of working South Africans gamble, with 40% doing so to pay off debts and 19% relying on borrowing or credit.

“The gambling intent has shifted from being a social recreational activity to a secondary income generator,” said Lebogang Seoheng, Advocacy, Public Awareness, and Communications Manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation.

Seoheng says they have seen a 55% increase in people seeking support for gambling problems in one financial year.

To listen to Lebogang Seoheng, Advocacy, Public Awareness, and Communications Manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive, click the audio player for more:

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