South Africa’s online gambling activity rises 390%, SRI report finds

South Africa's rapidly expanding online gambling sector is drawing renewed attention to consumer protection, household finances and the regulation of digital betting. A report published by the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) on 12 October 2026 highlights a substantial increase in gambling activity between 2021 and 2025 and raises questions about the wider implications for families facing financial pressure.

According to the report, online gambling activity increased by 390% over the four-year period. The findings identify the growing accessibility of mobile technology and widespread advertising as important factors in the sector's development. The report also calls for stronger safeguards to address potential risks for vulnerable consumers.

Although the figures point to significant market expansion, they need to be interpreted carefully. Increased gambling activity does not automatically mean that every participant experiences financial difficulties or that the total amount wagered represents money lost by players.

South Africa's online gambling market continues to expand

Mobile devices have made access to digital betting platforms increasingly convenient. Consumers can encounter gambling services through websites, applications and online promotional campaigns without visiting traditional gambling venues.

Advertising is another area of concern. The growing visibility of betting promotions has encouraged discussion about how gambling services are presented to the public and whether existing safeguards adequately protect people who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

The SRI report's estimate of a 390% increase illustrates the scale of the change identified by its researchers. However, the precise contribution of individual factors such as mobile access, advertising and payment facilities would require further evidence to establish.

Figures for the wider gambling industry provide additional context. During the 2024/25 financial year, approximately R1.5 trillion was wagered across South Africa's gambling market. Gross gambling revenue reached approximately R74.5 billion during the same period.

These measures describe different aspects of the industry. Gambling turnover records the total amount wagered, including money that may be won and subsequently wagered again. Gross gambling revenue or GGR, represents the difference between the amounts wagered and winnings paid to players.

Consequently, the R1.5 trillion figure should not be presented as the amount lost by South African gamblers. Gross gambling revenue provides a more meaningful measure of the money retained by operators before other business expenses are taken into account.

Report raises concerns about household finances

The SRI report's central concern extends beyond commercial growth to the potential consequences for people already struggling to meet everyday expenses.

Household budgets must cover necessities such as food, housing, transport, education and debt repayments. Gambling expenditure can place additional pressure on these commitments when individuals spend money that would otherwise be allocated to essential costs.

The report also refers to preliminary findings from the National Gambling Board that raise concerns about some individuals taking out risky loans or using social grants to finance gambling activities. These findings highlight areas that warrant further investigation rather than establishing that such behaviour is representative of all gamblers.

People experiencing financial insecurity may be particularly vulnerable to messages that suggest gambling could provide an additional source of income. However, gambling outcomes are uncertain and cannot be relied upon to resolve debt, replace regular earnings or guarantee financial improvement.

Theuns du Buisson, the report's author, has highlighted the importance of considering these potential social consequences alongside the industry's expansion. The report's findings have contributed to calls for a response that gives appropriate consideration to consumer welfare and household financial stability.

National Gambling Board stresses responsible spending

South Africa's economic circumstances provide relevant context for the debate. Statistics South Africa reported an official unemployment rate of 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026. Against this background, concerns about discretionary spending and financial vulnerability remain important to discussions about gambling-related harm.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dukwana has emphasised the importance of prioritising household necessities before gambling expenditure.

“Food, accommodation, transport, education and debt repayments must come before gambling. If you choose to participate, only use money that remains after your essential commitments have been met and only gamble what you can afford to lose. Protect the money you have to sustain your family,” Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana said at the time.

The guidance reflects a central principle of responsible gambling: participation should never take priority over essential financial commitments. Consumers should also be cautious about borrowing money to gamble or attempting to recover previous losses through further betting.

Financial planning and access to reliable information can help people recognise when gambling is becoming difficult to manage. Nevertheless, individual safeguards need to operate alongside appropriate oversight of operators and clear public information about the risks involved.

Gambling-related losses can affect entire families

Hannes Noëth, Executive Director of Solidarity Helping Hand, has also raised concerns about the wider consequences of gambling-related financial losses.

“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,” he stated.

The underlying concern is that money spent on gambling may otherwise have supported dependants and essential household needs. Where available income is already limited, the diversion of even part of a household budget can create additional difficulties.

These potential consequences extend beyond immediate financial losses. Money shortages may place strain on family relationships and make it harder to meet recurring responsibilities, including school expenses and utility bills.

At the same time, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that every gambling participant experiences harm. A balanced assessment requires reliable evidence about participation, spending patterns and the circumstances in which gambling creates financial or social difficulties.

Legal distinctions and calls for stronger regulation

The SRI report has called for tighter controls on gambling advertising, stronger enforcement against illegal operators and improved safeguards for vulnerable consumers.

Legal distinctions are also important in South Africa. Information published by the National Gambling Board distinguishes online casino-style gambling from online betting offered by bookmakers holding the relevant local licences. Online casino-style gambling is identified as unlawful under the current framework, while qualifying online betting through locally licensed bookmakers is permitted.

This distinction matters when discussing the expansion of online gambling. Digital services do not all fall under the same legal category and the legality of an offering depends on the type of activity and the applicable licence.

Stronger enforcement against unlawful operators is one proposed area for action. Unlicensed services can leave consumers with fewer effective protections and limited options for resolving disputes. Greater public awareness of applicable licensing requirements may help consumers make more informed decisions.

Advertising standards are another consideration. Clear requirements for gambling promotions and responsible messaging could help consumers better understand the risks associated with betting. Effective oversight should also consider how digital campaigns reach audiences and how vulnerable individuals can access assistance when needed.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation provides information, counselling and treatment support for people affected by gambling-related harm. Such services can complement public education and regulatory measures, although no single intervention can eliminate every risk associated with gambling.

Conclusion

South Africa's expanding online gambling sector presents policymakers, regulators and consumer protection organisations with a complex challenge. The SRI's reported 390% increase in activity between 2021 and 2025 highlights the scale of the changes identified by its researchers and renews discussion about advertising, accessibility and household financial security.

Understanding the figures correctly is essential. Total gambling turnover should not be confused with player losses and concerns about harmful gambling behaviour should be assessed using reliable evidence rather than assumptions about every participant.

A balanced policy response could combine clearer advertising standards, stronger action against unlawful operators, practical consumer safeguards and accessible support for people experiencing financial difficulties. Regulatory decisions should also account for the legal distinction between permitted online betting and prohibited online casino-style gambling.

Ultimately, the issue is not simply how quickly the gambling sector is expanding. It is whether consumer protections, public awareness and regulatory oversight can respond effectively to changes in how people access gambling services. Continued monitoring and evidence-based policymaking will be important in determining which measures are most effective in protecting households while supporting a transparent and appropriately regulated industry.

FAQs

What did the Solidarity Research Institute report find?
The SRI report published on 12 October 2026 stated that online gambling activity in South Africa increased by 390% between 2021 and 2025. It also raised concerns about consumer protection and potential financial risks for vulnerable households.

Why is online gambling growing in South Africa?
The report identifies mobile technology, easier access to digital platforms and widespread advertising as factors associated with the expansion. Further research would be needed to establish the precise contribution of each factor.

How much was wagered across South Africa's gambling industry in 2024/25?
Approximately R1.5 trillion was wagered across the industry during the 2024/25 financial year. This represents total turnover rather than the amount ultimately lost by players.

What is gross gambling revenue?
Gross gambling revenue is the amount wagered minus winnings paid to players. South Africa recorded approximately R74.5 billion in gross gambling revenue during the 2024/25 financial year.

What financial risks does the report highlight?
The report raises concerns about gambling expenditure competing with essential household expenses. It also refers to preliminary findings about some individuals borrowing money or using social grants to finance gambling.

What advice did Lungile Dukwana give to consumers?
Dukwana advised consumers to prioritise necessities such as food, accommodation, education and debt repayments. He also stressed that gambling should be limited to money people can afford to lose.

Who is Theuns du Buisson?
Theuns du Buisson is identified as the author of the Solidarity Research Institute report examining the growth of online gambling and its potential economic and social implications.

What did Hannes Noëth say about gambling-related harm?
Noëth highlighted that gambling-related losses may affect entire households when money intended for essential expenses is spent on betting. His comments emphasised the potential effects on dependants as well as the individual gambler.

Is online gambling legal in South Africa?
The legal position depends on the type of activity. The National Gambling Board identifies online casino-style gambling as unlawful while permitting online betting through appropriately licensed local bookmakers.

Where can people affected by gambling-related harm seek assistance?
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offers confidential counselling and treatment support. Its services can assist people experiencing gambling-related difficulties and family members affected by those problems.