Gross gambling revenue in South Africa reached R59.3 billion in the 2023/24 financial year, with nearly half of this figure generated via remote betting platforms. As internet access widens and mobile technology becomes more affordable, the country is experiencing a significant shift in consumer behaviour and digital finance habits.
The South African gambling industry has undergone a notable transformation. In the 12 months leading to March 2024, gross gambling revenue reached a record R59.3 billion, marking a 25.7 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Online betting accounted for approximately R28.97 billion of this total, equivalent to nearly half of all gambling income. This growth is not simply a sectoral spike but a reflection of broader economic and technological changes in how people spend, play, and interact online.
This article examines how the expansion of online casinos is linked to the evolution of digital finance tools and shifting consumer entertainment habits. Drawing from the latest data available in 2025, it investigates the connection between connectivity, accessibility, and the rise of virtual gambling as a mainstream activity in South Africa.
Growth of Online Gambling in South Africa
South Africa’s gambling industry continues to grow, driven primarily by the expansion of remote betting options. Online gambling, including casino-style games and sports betting, expanded at an annual rate exceeding 26 per cent in 2023. Forecasts for 2025 place the total value of the online gambling sector at close to USD 900 million, with projections indicating it will exceed USD 1 billion by 2028.
Mobile gambling now accounts for the overwhelming majority of digital bets in the country, comprising over 80 per cent of total online wagers. This shift is largely due to the affordability of smartphones and the availability of mobile-friendly betting platforms. Unlike in previous years, where physical casinos dominated the gambling environment, the convenience and flexibility of wagering from a mobile device—anywhere, at any time—have proven to be a powerful draw.
The structure of the market is also evolving. While traditional casinos and betting outlets remain operational, their relative market share is declining in comparison to digital platforms. Consumers are showing greater interest in virtual experiences that replicate the odds, outcomes, and aesthetics of casino games without the logistical limitations of location or operating hours. The proliferation of remote access services has given rise to a new kind of gambler: one who is as comfortable navigating a digital wallet as spinning a roulette wheel on a mobile screen.
Changing Patterns in Consumer Entertainment
Across the country, daily entertainment habits are shifting toward on-demand and digitally mediated experiences. Gambling is increasingly viewed through the lens of casual online activity, particularly among adults aged 25 to 44—a demographic highly active online and more likely to adopt emerging payment tools.
The growing visibility and accessibility of platforms that offer online casinos south africa, which can be accessed via mobile or desktop devices, has transformed gambling into a more routine entertainment option. These platforms typically integrate casino-style games into fixed-odds betting formats, allowing users to engage in game-like activities that are legally compliant within the existing regulatory framework. The result is a digital experience that closely mirrors traditional gambling but fits within the lifestyle of a mobile-first consumer.
Unlike legacy casino visitors who typically planned their gaming as a destination event, today’s digital gamblers are engaging intermittently—during a commute, over lunch, or while streaming other content. This represents a broader trend across digital media and entertainment sectors, where users increasingly seek short, accessible engagements that can be tailored to personal routines and schedules.
The Role of Mobile Technology and Internet Access
By mid-2025, internet penetration in South Africa has reached an estimated 79 per cent, translating to over 51 million active users. This marks an annual increase of more than 2.6 million new users. Mobile network infrastructure has improved significantly, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas, with 4G coverage now extending to more than 96 per cent of the population. Median mobile internet speeds have risen to over 51 Mbps, while fixed broadband speeds average around 48 Mbps.
Telecommunications companies are continuing to address affordability challenges. This year, one of the country’s largest mobile providers launched a subsidised smartphone programme, distributing affordable 4G-enabled devices to over a million users previously reliant on outdated 2G and 3 G networks. This initiative is designed to expand digital participation and has been particularly impactful in townships and rural settlements, where cost remains a key barrier to access.
Alongside infrastructure developments, digital financial adoption has surged. The volume of electronic card payments is projected to surpass ZAR 2.9 trillion by the end of 2025. Over 60 per cent of in-person payments are now made using contactless technology, while e-wallet usage continues to grow among both younger and middle-aged consumers. This shift toward digital finance systems supports the online gambling sector by enabling instant deposits, faster payouts, and increased user confidence in remote transactions.
Payment convenience has become one of the strongest drivers of online gambling participation. Consumers are no longer required to use traditional banking methods; instead, they can transact instantly using mobile wallets, vouchers, or debit cards with minimal friction. This evolution has made wagering more accessible, not only to urban professionals but also to a broader base of informal and gig-economy workers who favour digital-first platforms.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of online casinos in South Africa is not occurring in isolation. It mirrors a deeper transformation in how consumers interact with technology and manage their finances. Widespread internet access, affordable smartphones, and the normalization of digital payments have redefined the gambling industry’s audience and structure.
Where gambling was once viewed as a physical, location-bound activity, it is now part of a much broader shift toward mobile, flexible, and individually tailored entertainment. As infrastructure continues to improve and digital payment systems evolve, more consumers will likely integrate remote betting into their routine leisure activities.
The rise of online gambling in South Africa offers a window into the changing dynamics of digital consumption, where entertainment, finance, and accessibility are converging—and reshaping long-established industries in the process.
