Online gambling problem in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing a gambling boom, with online and sports betting becoming increasingly popular. However, many people are endangering their financial well-being by using essential or borrowed funds to gamble.

This is according to infoQuest, which surveyed the habits and attitudes of approximately 300 local gamblers in March 2024 and April 2025, tracking key shifts while uncovering fresh insights into the evolving gambling landscape.

Gambling has long been a part of South Africa’s social and economic landscape, evolving from informal betting practices to a highly regulated industry.

Today, the sector includes everything from casinos and sports betting to the rapidly expanding online gambling market.

According to Statista, revenue from South Africa’s gambling market is projected to reach $3.49 billion (R63.99 billion) in 2025.

However, while the industry may generate significant revenue and employment opportunities, it also raises concerns about addiction, illegal operations, and regulatory challenges.

InfoQuest’s report found that although gambling participation has seen a slight year-on-year dip, the digital tables are turning.

While the National Lottery remains South Africa’s most popular gambling activity, online gaming/betting and sports betting are rapidly gaining traction, particularly among younger gamblers aged 18–34.

In fact, this was the most frequent type of betting, with an average incidence of 11 times per month, followed by online gaming betting at 10 times a month.

The National Lottery, which is more popular with older gamblers, also achieved an average incidence of 10 times per month.

Notably, this was the only gambling activity which increased in frequency from 2024 to 2025, with most other activities declining slightly during the period.

The most significant decrease came from gambling at casino tables, which declined from 7 to 5 times per month. However, the frequency with which gamblers engaged in different types of betting remained consistent year-on-year.

South Africa’s gambling boom

Nearly half of South African gamblers (48%) said they’re gambling more often than they were a year ago – a trend that’s ringing alarm bells.

This surge in frequency points to growing engagement, possibly fuelled by the rise of easily accessible online platforms, aggressive marketing, and shifting social norms.

The findings raise serious concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and underscore the need for closer monitoring of gambling behaviour and its broader societal impacts, infoQuest explained.

Concerningly, only 37% of gamblers claim they use surplus funds – money they don’t need for anything else – to gamble.

This means that a staggering 63% are likely using money meant for essentials, savings, or other financial commitments.

The data suggests that the majority of gamblers may be putting their financial stability at risk to fund their gambling habits.

One in three gamblers uses their winnings to play again, suggesting a tendency toward chasing further gains, which could heighten the risk of financial loss.

Interestingly, around 50% of gamblers report incorporating gambling in their monthly budgets, right alongside essentials like rent, groceries and utilities.

This practice suggests that, for many, gambling has shifted from an occasional pastime to a regular financial commitment.

By planning for gambling expenses the same way they would for everyday necessities, a significant portion of gamblers may be normalising the habit as part of their routine financial life.

About 16% of gamblers claim to have borrowed money at some point to fund their gambling. However, this figure is likely understated, with the real number likely being even higher.

This is because borrowing for gambling can carry significant stigma and shame, leading some individuals to under-report this behaviour.

Warning for gamblers

Notably, 15% of the respondents said that at some point, they had been unable to control their desire to engage in these activities, even though they didn’t have the money. However, this number is likely understated.

Of concern is that gamblers in the younger age category (18–34 years) are more likely to feel that they are unable to control their gambling desire.

Respondents also said that gambling has negatively affected their personal life and well-being, their family’s well-being, and their employment obligations and productivity at work.

About 1 in 5 gamblers have sought help or are currently seeking help for their gambling “addiction”, with 12% having sought help in the past and 7% presently seeking help.

However, the 12% who have previously sought help are still gambling, even if it is less frequent. Naturally, this raises questions about the quality of help they received.

When asked who they sought help from, they mainly mentioned family members or friends who may not be qualified to provide professional assistance in this particular field.

Another 10% state that they have considered seeking help but haven’t done so yet, while 67% have never sought or considered seeking help.

While participation in gambling activities has seen a slight year-on-year decline, the frequency and intensity of engagement, particularly among young adults, remain high, with sports betting and online platforms leading the way.

Alarmingly, nearly half of gamblers report increased gambling frequency over the past year, raising concerns about the rise in problem gambling and the influence of digital accessibility.

“Financial strain is evident, with a significant number of individuals using essential or borrowed funds to support their gambling habits, and many incorporating gambling expenses into their monthly budgets,” said Claire Heckrath, MD of infoQuest.

Heckrath explained that the tendency to chase winnings and reported feelings of losing control, especially among younger gamblers, highlights the psychological grip that gambling can have.

“Yet, despite these warning signs, a large majority have not sought help, and those who have mostly turned to informal support networks, which may lack the expertise needed for effective intervention.”