SOFTSWISS's latest report on the South African online gambling market reveals key data and trends of Africa's most mature gambling market. The report indicates that by the end of 2025, the total gambling revenue in South Africa is expected to reach 3.63 billion euros, with online gambling contributing 50%, marking digitalization as the main engine of growth.
From a regional distribution perspective, the Western Cape leads the nation with 49% of gambling revenue, followed by Gauteng (22.1%) and Mpumalanga (21.9%). The provinces where digital gambling growth is particularly notable include the Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, and Northern Cape, which have high smartphone penetration rates, good network connections, and flexible licensing systems.
Mobile platforms have become the main battlefield, with 81% of digital gambling done through mobile phones. Supported by an internet penetration rate of 78.9%, over 50.8 million users participate in gambling activities. However, high prepaid data tariffs remain a significant barrier to industry development, and the report calls for the construction of more efficient, data-saving platforms.
In terms of types of gambling, sports betting dominates, contributing 60.5% of the total gambling revenue in 2024. The most popular sports include football, horse racing, rugby, and cricket, while eSports, tennis, and fantasy sports are also popular among younger users. The report notes distinct demographic characteristics in different vertical markets: sports betting is favored by males aged 25 to 45, while EBT bingo games attract middle-aged female users.
Furthermore, the report specifically mentions the advanced digital regulation of the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), its open software ecosystem, and efforts to promote the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), positioning it at the forefront of national regulatory frameworks. SOFTSWISS believes that South Africa is steadily consolidating its leading position in the African digital gambling sector through technological innovation and forward-looking policies.
