Online Gambling Surges 390% In SA As Families Face Growing Financial Strain

Online gambling in South Africa has grown by 390% between 2021 and 2025, prompting renewed calls for stricter regulation as concerns mount over the financial and emotional consequences for households.

According to the report, approximately R1.5 trillion was wagered across South Africa’s gambling industry during the 2024/25 financial year, with nearly three-quarters of the activity taking place online. The figure includes repeated wagers made using the same money, rather than representing the total amount of unique funds spent.

After paying out winnings, gambling operators retained R74.5 billion in gross gambling revenue during the period.

The report’s author and economic researcher, Theuns du Buisson, warned that the rapid expansion of online gambling carries consequences beyond the money lost by individual players. He said families were increasingly exposed to financial pressure when household income intended for essential expenses was used for betting.

Du Buisson identified the widespread availability of mobile gambling platforms and the volume of online advertising as major factors behind the sector’s growth. With betting accessible through mobile phones at almost any time, consumers can gamble from numerous locations with few practical barriers.

He also raised concerns about advertising that presents gambling as a potential source of additional income. For people already struggling financially, the promise of quick returns can be appealing, even though betting carries the risk of losing money needed for basic necessities.

The report references preliminary research by the National Gambling Board suggesting that some individuals take out reckless loans or use social grants to finance gambling. It also cites international research linking online gambling to a two- to fourfold higher likelihood of problem gambling compared with other forms of gambling.

Solidarity is calling for stronger oversight of online gambling operators, tighter restrictions on advertising and more effective action against unlawful platforms.

Solidarity Helping Hand executive director Hannes Noëth said the effects of problem gambling often extend to children and other family members who depend on the money being wagered.

“When money intended for food, school fees, rent, or electricity is gambled away, it is not only the person who placed the bet who loses,” Noëth said.

He warned that households can be left dealing with both financial hardship and emotional distress.

Solidarity and Solidarity Helping Hand argue that the scale of online gambling growth warrants an urgent review of regulation and marketing practices. Their proposed measures are aimed at reducing harm to vulnerable consumers and protecting money needed for everyday living expenses.

Source: https://x.com/zanewsflash/status/2115803957482450950?s=46

TrendingSA feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com