Gambling hits R1.5trn

TRAPPED: GAMBLING BOARD WARNS OF YOUTH-ORIENTATED ADVERTISING >>> People spending more time online than casinos.

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

BIG NUMBERS. Total gambling turnover has hit R1.5 trillion and online betting is the clear winner.

(Picture: iStock)

The National Gambling Board has lamented the rise in gambling advertising, which also makes use of younger-looking models, thereby placing the youth at risk.

The board updated parliament's portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition in its 2024-25 annual report on Wednesday, painting a grim picture of South Africa's gambling problem.

Statistics from the board recorded R1.5 trillion in gambling turnover in the 2024-25 financial year, an increase from R1.1 trillion in the previous year.

This amounts to R75 billion in gross gambling revenue (after payouts and winnings) in the year under review, with online betting contributing more than half of this amount.

Betting generated R52.3 billion of the R75 billion, which is 70% of the pie, while creating 13 983 jobs.

The Covid pandemic sparked an increase in betting, while casinos have witnessed a decline since the pandemic.