South Africa’s gambling boom fuels jobs but raises addiction concerns
The South African gambling industry has seen a significant shift towards online betting, with 60% of gross gambling revenue (GGR) now coming from this source. This shift was discussed at the Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, held in Johannesburg on 13 November, organised by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF).
The summit, attended by over 400 delegates including regulators, educators, and industry leaders, aimed to balance the economic opportunities brought by the industry with its social responsibilities. South Africa's gambling industry generated over R1.5 trillion in turnover and R75 billion in GGR in 2024/25, supporting over 33,000 direct jobs and contributing 0.83% to the country's GDP.
However, the rise in the industry's growth has also led to an increase in illegal gambling. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of SARGF, presented research showing factors influencing betting habits and vulnerability to problem gambling, with the prevalence rate in South Africa standing at 31%. Lungile Dukwana, Acting CEO of the National Gambling Board (NGB), emphasized the need to strike a balance between economic opportunity and social responsibility.
The shift towards online betting, while bringing economic benefits, also presents challenges in responsible gambling. The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 highlighted these issues and the need for continued efforts to address them, with Adv Joe Nalane SC, SARGF Board Chairperson, noting the industry's central concern with responsible gambling.
