NGB Data Show the Growth of Gambling Industry in South Africa

Data from the National Gambling Board (NGB) have shown that gambling is one of South Africa’s biggest grossing industries. Gambling industry generated 30 billion rand in 2018. This is just from the 40 brick-and-mortar casinos licensed to operate in the country.

Online gambling is currently banned in South Africa but that has not prevented offshore operators from targeting the South African market nor has it deterred South Africans from signing-up at these illegal online casinos. NGB is highly concerned that the rise of illegal gambling is eroding the revenue of legal gambling operations.

The brick and mortar casino industry in the country is growing rapidly as it offers punters a variety of options like sports betting, horse racing, bingo and classic table games. The land base casino industry is expected to generate around 25 billion rand by 2021.

The South African government has been hesitant to legalise online gambling and give punters even more options. The Casino Association of South Africa claims that it is neither for nor against legal online gambling but it highlighted the fact that with the advancement of technology, online gambling is growing more popular by the day.