Since the 2020-2022 lockdowns, online sports betting in South Africa has experienced a meteoric rise, with total bets placed by South Africans increasing by a staggering 1,167% in just six years.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional casino revenue in South Africa plummeted from R18 billion to just under R10 billion. While it has since recovered to approximately R17 billion, sports betting has now surpassed casinos as the dominant form of gambling in the country.
Annual sports betting revenue has skyrocketed to R24 billion, driven by a surge in online betting during the lockdowns. Total bets placed per year increased from R33 billion in 2016/17 to R62 billion in 2019/20, then soared to R107 billion by 2020/21 and R233 billion by 2021/22. By 2022/23, the total bets placed had reached an astonishing R418 billion.
The rapid growth of sports betting has also led to a concerning increase in gambling addiction. The number of individuals seeking help for gambling-related issues has risen significantly, with a 68% increase from 2021 to 2022.
The National Gambling Board’s Keletso Makopo attributed this rise to increased accessibility of online gambling platforms due to affordable smartphones and internet connectivity.
In response to the growing market, companies like MultiChoice have entered the sports betting industry. The media giant acquired a significant stake in Nigerian sports betting company KingMakers and launched the BetKing platform in South Africa. Later, MultiChoice partnered with KingMakers again to introduce SuperSportBet, emphasizing responsible gambling features.
Despite the surge in sports betting, online gambling remains illegal in South Africa under the National Gambling Act. The Democratic Alliance has proposed a Remote Gambling Bill to regulate the industry, protect vulnerable individuals, and address concerns related to underage gambling and criminal activities.
However, the lack of regulation has contributed to the industry’s rapid growth and potential risks. Many South Africans, particularly those struggling with unemployment, have turned to sports betting as a means to earn quick money. The addictive nature of online gambling platforms, coupled with the normalization of sports betting, has exacerbated the problem.
Studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of sports betting on individuals’ finances, relationships, and overall well-being. A study by Hing, Rockloff, and Browne emphasized the need to address the “gamblification” of sports and the associated risks.
