South Africa’s Turnover Reaches $86 Billion Driven by Online Betting Boom

South Africa’s gambling industry has reached a historic milestone, with total turnover hitting R1.5 trillion (around US$86.5 billion) in the 2024/2025 fiscal year — fueled largely by the explosive growth of online betting platforms.

According to the National Gambling Board (NGB), gross gambling revenue (GGR) climbed to R75 billion (≈ US$4.3 billion), up from R59.3 billion the previous year. Betting activities — including both retail and online wagering — accounted for nearly 70% of all GGR, generating R52.3 billion, while casino revenues stood at R16.6 billion (≈ US$951 million).

The NGB report highlighted a 4.1% decline in casino performance year-on-year, as many South Africans shifted from physical venues to digital betting platforms. Regulators noted that the migration to online channels reflects broader technological adoption but also presents new challenges for responsible gambling enforcement.

Despite these concerns, the sector’s expansion has had a strong economic impact. In 2024/2025, the gambling industry directly employed over 33,000 people and supported more than 144,000 indirect jobs, while generating R5.8 billion (≈ US$332 million) in taxes and levies for the state. The Western Cape province remains the country’s leading contributor to gambling-related revenue.

The NGB emphasized that the rapid growth of online betting has reshaped South Africa’s gambling landscape, transforming it into one of Africa’s most dynamic markets. However, the agency also warned of rising household gambling expenditure and urged stricter monitoring of advertising practices to prevent excessive play and protect vulnerable users.

As digital platforms continue to expand, the challenge for regulators will be balancing innovation and growth with effective oversight and consumer protection — ensuring that the country’s gambling boom remains sustainable and responsible.