Online gambling in South Africa grew by 390% between 2021 and 2025, according to a Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) report presented at a media conference on Monday 12 October, as reported by Caxton Network News. The report says other forms of gambling did not grow at a comparable rate, and links the rise to mobile phones and gambling advertising.
The headline figures
| Figure | Value |
|---|---|
| Growth in online gambling, 2021 to 2025 | 390% |
| Wagered across the whole industry, 2024/25 | About R1.5 trillion, nearly three quarters online |
| Gross gambling revenue kept by operators, 2024/25 | R74.5 billion |
| Household spending on gambling, 2023 | R191.4 billion |
The first three rows are from Eikestad Nuus, which notes that the R1.5 trillion includes the same money staked again and again. The 2023 household figure is from Rekord. The report's R74.5 billion differs slightly from the R74.9 billion in NGB figures quoted by the Gauteng MEC this week, as TimesLIVE reported.
The harm the researchers describe
The report cites international research linking online gambling to a two to fourfold higher chance of problem gambling than other forms, and preliminary NGB research on people taking out reckless loans and using social grants to gamble, Eikestad Nuus reported. SRI senior research psychologist Nicolien Welthagen quoted figures showing that 31% of people who called the gambling helpline had had suicidal thoughts and 13% had attempted suicide, according to Rekord.
What Solidarity wants
- Stricter enforcement against illegal online casinos and prohibited adverts.
- Tighter limits on betting adverts where children and young people see them.
- Limits on using sports stars and celebrities to promote gambling.
- Better public education about the odds of winning.
These recommendations are summarised by Caxton Network News.
Our take
The report is advocacy, not law, but it lands in the same week as the NGB's warning on NSFAS and Sassa money and a new industry charter. Tighter advertising rules look likely. For players, the useful step is the same as ever: check your operator on the NGB verified operators list, set a deposit limit and treat every rand you stake as spent. Our legal guide explains how licensing works. Help is free on 0800 006 008, 24 hours a day.