As inflation and rising debt levels across the country continue to soar, a new report has revealed that more than half of South Africa’s working population is turning to gambling
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As inflation and rising debt levels across the country continue to soar, a new report has revealed that more than half of South Africa’s working population is turning to gambling in search of financial relief.
According to the 2025 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor (OMSIM) a report that tracks the shifting financial attitudes and behaviours of working South Africans, around 52% of employed adults participate in gambling.
"A staggering 52% of working South Africans gamble, with incidence being highest among 30 – 49 year-olds (58%) and men (57%)," the report noted.
According to the National Gambling Board, South Africans spent R1.1 trillion on gambling from April 2023 to March 2024. During this time, gambling revenue increased by 25.7% to R59.3 billion.
"Of more concern is the fact that 40% of working South Africans acknowledge they gamble frequently, hoping to make money that can cover some of their expenses/debt.
"This is up from the 36% recorded in the last measure, and more prevalent among lower-income earners".
Many respondents said the possibility of earning extra income was a primary motivation for gambling, especially among those earning between R8,000 and R29,000 per month.
The report also highlighted the growing popularity of online gambling, with 77% of gamblers using betting apps and 49% gambling via websites.
"Gambling is very much an online pursuit, be that via an App or directly on an online betting website".
"Amongst gamblers, Sportsbetting ranks as the highest type of gambling at 61%, followed by Lotto (53%) and Slots (52%). Just over 6 in 10 gamblers gamble at least once a week (62%) – with close to 4 in 10 gambling even more frequently."
The report also noted that one in five gamblers (19%) reported borrowing money, using credit, or selling possessions to fund their gambling.
"Worrying is that 1 in 5 gamblers have had to borrow, use credit or sell something to fund their gambling, and 1 in 4 have found themselves in financial difficulty as a result of their gambling," the report found.