South Africa's Online Betting Boom Drives Wagering to R1.5 Trillion
23 October 2026
South Africa's online gambling industry has reached a significant milestone, with wagers in the 2024 financial year climbing to R1.5 trillion, according to recent industry reports. The surge, which started during the pandemic, now sees betting making up R1.1 trillion of that total.
The shift toward mobile gambling has reduced casino visits, offering convenience and immediate rewards. Approximately 85% of the R1.14 trillion wagered in 2023 was placed online, up from 80% the previous year. Smartphone adoption has fueled this growth, with mobile devices now essential for nearly all bettors.
Quick payouts and seamless transactions allow users to place bets and withdraw winnings effortlessly. However, for many, this also means adding gambling expenses alongside other financial commitments. The rise of mobile payment methods has worsened the issue by enabling users to gamble up to their spending limits. Easy access to deposits and withdrawals via smartphones has created new risks, particularly for those without traditional banking.
How has this impacted consumer finances?
A recent South African Reserve Bank report highlighted online gambling as a growing concern, with total annual wagers reaching R1.5 trillion in 2025. Over 60% of South Africans now gamble online, with around 5% betting daily, according to a 2025 industry study.
Regulators warn that online gambling is increasing household debt. A 2026 financial review found that average online bets in Gauteng and the Western Cape matched grocery spending. Gambling expenses are displacing essentials like food and rent, recent analyses suggest.
More on this is available via how to choose a safe online casino in South Africa.
Government grant recipients, including NSFAS and Sassa beneficiaries, are also at risk of gambling away support funds. The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation estimates that much of the 2026 gambling spike involved welfare recipients. Many who should have used R350 relief payments for necessities instead bet online via mobile money services.
Early 2025 data showed Sassa beneficiaries spent R200 million (0.2%) of grants on betting, rising to R410 million by 2026, per updated records. Treasury has proposed a 20% tax on online gambling, which could generate R500 million monthly based on industry estimates.
As digital payments simplify transactions, one debate persists: Does easy access encourage responsible spending or reckless gambling? The answer remains unclear.