How popular is online gambling and sports betting in South Africa?

Gambling in South Africa has been illegal since the 1600s. It became illegal in 1965 by law, followed by online gambling restrictions in 2011

Online gambling is very quickly becoming a global industry. There has been a rise in the popularity of virtual casinos, sports betting and a great variety of other games in many parts of the world. Online crypto gambling platforms are also becoming popular, and in African nations, such as South Africa, the number of active users has grown exponentially.

It is estimated that the online gaming industry, particularly sports betting south africa platforms, will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12% between 2020 and 2025. South Africa might not be a country that comes to mind when it comes to online gambling, but it has become a standout performer in the industry, mostly due to the investment in a robust gambling infrastructure and regulation. Sun City, located in the North West part of the country, already derives its revenue mainly from gambling.

Sports betting is another pull factor for online gamblers. Most countries in Africa have their own sports leagues, and European football has a large following, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Football among the most popular sports

The English Premier League has thousands of fans in English-speaking countries, particularly in South Africa. There are many sporting events to bet on, including small local leagues, and most sports betting platforms allow users to bet on single or multiple tickets. In addition, players can bet on more complex and lucrative prizes.

Sports betting has spread across the continent due to more permissive sets of regulation. Some governments have decided to crack down on betting, while others boost the industry in order to raise taxes. Regardless, online sports betting has a solid position in Africa and will continue to grow.

How can we explain the sports’ betting popularity in South Africa?

Convenience and mobility are some of the main aspects that have been driving the popularity increase of online gambling in South Africa. While physical casinos traditionally accept cash or card payments, online casinos have integrated efficient payment systems that make transactions much more convenient.

Mobile transactions are the lifeblood of sports betting, and crypto casinos offer borderless possibilities for betting on decentralized virtual currencies. In addition to that, gamblers can deposit and withdraw their winnings directly on their smartphones. Mobile phones also offer the possibility of having many exciting games and markets accessible at any time. As such, players are now enjoying the thrill of online gambling and sports betting from the comfort of their homes.