There is great concern growing as an increase in gambling among South Africans have been observed.
Financial pressure have South Africans in a chokehold as the cost of living is continuously on the rise, adding other financial responsibilities such as tuition fees, groceries, petrol and much more.
It seems that those who resort to gambling out of desperation sees it as an easy way to relief financial pressure.
According to the national gambling statistics, which is drawn up by the National Gambling Board of South Africa (NGB), South Africans spent R1.1 trillion on gambling during the 2023/24 financial year. This is the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The total gross gambling revenue, for the mentioned financial year, were R59.3 million, which is a 25.7% increase from the previous financial year.
InfoQuest, a leading South African online research company, has done some extensive research on gambling trends in South Africa. Last year they conducted a survey with 300 gamblers who participated.
Their research found that playing the lottery is the most popular form of gambling in South Africa, with three in four gamblers taking part in this activity. This is followed by gambling via online gaming platforms and sports betting. They have found gamblers, on average, take part in three different types of gambling activities. InfoQuest’s statistics show that 75% play the lottery, followed by 62% participating in online gaming and betting, and 55% engage in sports betting. Online slot machines stands at 48%, casino slots at 33%, casino tables at 24% and horse betting at 22%.
“For economically constrained consumers however, gambling presents a particularly risky pastime fraught with potential pitfalls.With limited disposable income, individuals may view gambling as a quick-fix solution to their financial woes, often chasing elusive wins in the hope of improving their circumstances,” said Claire Heckrath, who is a managing director at InfoQuest.
She added: “Moreover, the prevalence of unregulated gambling establishments and online platforms exacerbates these risks, as vulnerable consumers may fall prey to predatory practices and fraudulent schemes. Responsible gambling practices, such as setting strict budgets, recognising warning signs of addiction, and seeking help when needed, are crucial for safeguarding both financial well-being and overall mental health.”
It has been found by InfoQuest that gambling at casinos, as well as placing bets on horses, mainly takes place over weekends. “Playing the lottery and online gaming/betting are gambling activities that are generally not restricted to particular times and take place throughout the week and weekend – being influenced by their online functionality,” reads InfoQuest’s report.
The gamblers indicated that on average they participate in sports betting 12 times a month, followed by online gaming/betting at 11 times a month, and horse betting and online slot machines at 10 times a month.
“The possibility of winning much needed funds is the main reason for gambling.“
Claire Heckrath, managing director at InfoQuest
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“The possibility of winning much needed funds is the main reason for gambling. There is also a recreational element with some saying that it is fun and a good way to socialise,” gamblers indicated.
70% said that they gamble alone, while 19% claimed they gambled with friends and 16% said they gambled with a family member.
Gamblers have many reasons as to why they decide to gamble. InfoQuest has found that 25% of gamblers do so because they need extra money and hope that they will win. On the other hand 23% indicated that it’s luck of the draw and that they gamble because it might be their lucky day, while 21% hope for a big payout to change their family’s life.
The report further states that the emergence of online gambling has “revolutionised the industry, providing players with unprecedented access to diverse platforms and betting opportunities”.
