South Africa is experiencing an unprecedented rise in online betting, with wagering volumes surpassing R1.1 trillion in 2024/25, according to newly released industry data. The dramatic growth has been accompanied by a sharp increase in gambling-related harm, including a record number of calls to the national gambling helpline.
Data from the National Gambling Board shows that while spending at physical casinos has remained relatively stable over the past decade, online betting has expanded at an exponential rate. In 2014, South Africans wagered approximately R30 billion on betting activities compared to R252 billion at casinos.
By the 2024/25 financial year, betting expenditure had surged to R1.1 trillion, while casino gambling remained below R300 billion, highlighting a significant shift toward digital gambling platforms.
Industry observers attribute the rapid growth to the proliferation of online betting websites, the widespread availability of highly engaging betting products, and increasingly aggressive digital marketing campaigns. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) coding tools have also lowered the barriers to launching online gambling platforms, enabling more operators to enter the market.
The rise in online betting has coincided with a substantial increase in demand for gambling support services. Calls to South Africa’s national gambling helpline climbed from approximately 65,000 in 2022/23 to 140,000 in 2023/24, before surpassing one million in 2024/25.
Funded by levies paid by licensed gambling operators through the National Gambling Board, the helpline provides confidential counselling and referrals for professional treatment. Operating costs increased significantly from R1.1 million in 2023/24 to R3.4 million in 2024/25, reflecting the growing demand for assistance.
More than 4,000 individuals were referred for treatment during the latest reporting period, although only around half commenced treatment, with 23 participants completing the full ten-session recovery programme.
Concerns have also emerged over the increasing number of vulnerable South Africans participating in online betting. Reports suggest that some individuals are using SASSA grants and NSFAS allowances to fund gambling activities in the hope of generating additional income, despite the significant financial risks involved.
Adding to these concerns is the growing presence of gambling influencers on social media. Many promote misleading claims about guaranteed betting strategies or substantial profits while receiving compensation from gambling operators or affiliate programmes, potentially encouraging risky gambling behaviour among their audiences.
The findings underscore the need for stronger consumer protection measures, greater public awareness of gambling-related risks, and continued support for prevention and treatment services as South Africa’s online betting market continues to expand.
