More South Africans are turning to betting as a way to cope with growing financial strain.
Image: IOL Graphics / Sora AI
Despite widespread calls from civil society groups and political parties calling on the government to tighten regulations on gambling, more South Africans are turning to betting as a way to cope with growing financial strain.
Last year, it was revealed that South Africans wagered R1.1 trillion on betting activities during the 2024/25 financial year, fuelled largely by the rise of mobile betting apps that have turned gambling into a daily habit for millions.
According to the National Gambling Board (NGB), gambling in the country is on the rise, with over R1.5 trillion spent across all gambling activities, a staggering R400 billion increase from the previous year alone.
Gross gambling revenue has also increased sharply, rising from R59 billion to R75 billion, while participation rates have doubled since 2017, with nearly 65.7% of adults now engaging in some form of gambling.
Now, new data from Old Mutual Corporate paints an even more concerning picture, suggesting that for a growing number of South Africans, gambling is no longer just a form of entertainment.
The data reveals that at least 40% of working South Africans are now gambling frequently, with many doing so to cover monthly shortfalls and supplement their income.
“What we are seeing is a society under strain. Short-term relief is consistently winning over long-term security because many employees simply do not have the financial reserves they need to cope.” Keri-Lee Edmond, Head of Business Intelligence at Old Mutual Corporate, said.
“This is no longer an individual challenge. It is a workforce-wide issue that employers need to factor into how they support their people.”
The report also notes that "at a national level, StatsSA estimates that more than half, as much as 55% of what is classified as recreational spending, is directed towards gambling activities".
“Our research shows that for many South Africans, this is no longer just about recreation or entertainment. Individuals are gambling to meet daily needs and expenses, pay off debt, or in an attempt to secure higher incomes. Statistically, we know this is not a sustainable way to improve financial outcomes," Edmond added.
This comes as households face mounting pressure from rising food and electricity costs, with recent findings from the Competition Commission showing that basic staples and utility tariffs continue to outpace overall inflation.
The report also noted that non-food essentials, particularly electricity, remain a key driver of cost pressures, with Eskom’s bulk tariffs rising by 11.3% and some municipalities implementing increases of up to 15%.
"Following the annual utility tariff increases implemented in July2025, electricity prices rose sharply, with cumulative electricity inflation increasing to approximately 85% over the five-year period (prior to the July 2025 adjustment, the cumulative price increase from 2020 to June 2025 was 68%)," the report noted.
"Water supply inflation similarly recorded a notable acceleration following municipal tariff revisions, with the price of water supply increasing by 68% over the five-year period (prior to the July 2025 adjustment, the cumulative price increase from 2020 to June 2025 was 50%).
In contrast, cumulative headline inflation remained relatively contained during the latter part of 2025 at just over 30%."
The commission warned that this growing "divergence between administered prices" and overall inflation is placing pressure on household finances, particularly for lower-income consumers.
IOL also previously reported that political parties, including the Democratic Alliance and Rise Mzansi, have raised concerns about the rapid rise of online gambling, warning that financially vulnerable South Africans are increasingly using money meant for basic needs to place bets.
For help to quit gambling, call the The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation on its toll-free counselling line, 0800 006 008 Or WhatsApp/SMS HELP To 076 675 0710 or email to helpline@responsiblegambling.org.za
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