ZAR59.3 Billion Later — South Africa’s Betting Scene Is on Fire

You know you’re in a gambling nation when the stakes start sounding like GDP numbers. South Africa just shattered its own record, raking in a jaw-dropping ZAR59.3 billion in gross gambling revenue for 2023–24. That’s not just a big number — that’s a national mood.

Up 25.7% from last year’s already massive figure, the message is clear: South Africans aren’t just placing bets — they’re building an industry. From Cape Town lounges to Mpumalanga mobile apps, gambling is no longer a side hustle. It’s becoming a legitimate economic engine, one wager at a time.

And if you’re wondering where all that heat’s coming from, don’t look at the slot machines. Look at your phone.

The Rise of the Click — Online Betting Takes the Throne

Let’s not sugarcoat it: sports betting owns the streets — and the screens. Of the total revenue, a whopping ZAR35.91 billion came from sports betting alone, with online betting snatching ZAR28.97 billion of that. That’s nearly half the entire industry — and it’s still technically legal in only a handful of provinces.

It’s not hard to see why. Why stand in line at a kiosk when you can tap your screen while sipping Rooibos in your boxers? From late-night Premier League punts to midday rugby bets, the smartphone has turned every South African into a walking bookmaker.

Reminder: that money is taxed. And guess what? The government isn’t complaining — they pulled in ZAR4.84 billion, half of which came from betting.

• Individual stories like this Cape Town mom’s jackpot win give a personal touch to the numbers.
• Events like the Suncoast Elvis Roulette Night also boost casino interest.
• For a regional contrast, here’s how Nigeria is reshaping its gaming laws.

Bricks and Bingo — The Traditional Scene Holds Ground (Barely)

Not all sectors are riding the same wave. Retail casinos managed to hold their ground with ZAR17.36 billion, showing flat growth. Bingo crept up a modest 2.4%, while Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) actually dipped 1.9%.

It’s a tale of two economies: one digital, fast, and growing. The other? Still wearing dress shoes and handing out plastic loyalty cards. In a world of crypto wallets and real-time odds, the old guard is losing its grip.

But don’t count them out just yet. There’s still a place for the glitz of the casino floor — even if it’s more nostalgia than necessity now.

Provinces in Play — Western Cape Leads the Charge

Western Cape raked in ZAR18.79 billion, with ZAR353 billion in wagers — and yes, that’s thanks to their legal online betting setup. Meanwhile, Mpumalanga topped the betting volume with ZAR359.3 billion, but pulled less revenue. Gauteng, the country’s most populous region, stayed strong in second place with ZAR13.10 billion.

It’s clear: the provinces that embraced online gambling are cashing in. And the rest? They’re leaving money on the table.