Bookmaker and online gambling services in South Africa generated a staggering R152.6 billion in 2023, up sharply from R10.1 billion in 2018, highlighting the explosive growth of the sector, according to Stats SA and the National Gambling Board.
The rise of online and bookmaker betting has transformed the gambling landscape. Gross gambling revenue for 2023/24 reached R59.3 billion, a 25.7% increase from R47.2 billion in 2022/23, while traditional casino revenue remained largely flat. Betting has overtaken casinos as the dominant form of gambling, a shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2009/10, casinos held 84% of market share, compared with just 10% for betting.
Stats SA’s Personal Services Industry 2023 report shows that “gambling and betting” now generates income comparable to the health sector, which includes hospitals, medical professionals, and veterinarians. Gambling slot machine services also ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing activities between 2018 and 2023.
Legal and compliance concerns
Despite its rapid growth, online gambling remains illegal in South Africa. Many licensed sportsbooks continue to offer online casino games – including slots, roulette, and blackjack – which the NGB has flagged as a major compliance issue, Mybroadband reports.
The NGB has stepped up enforcement against unlicensed platforms that target South African consumers, often ignoring local gambling laws and consumer protections. Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana says online gambling poses serious risks, including fraud, unfair practices, and lack of recourse for players.
Through enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, and public education, the NGB aims to ensure that gambling in South Africa remains safe, fair, and licensed. Dukwana encouraged the public to report illegal operators and stressed the importance of participating only in regulated gambling activities.
