Hyprop raises concerns over online gambling’s impact on retail
Hyprop’s remarks reflect the rising fear amongst South African businesses that online gambling is cannibalising retail sales.
South Africa. – Hyprop Investments, parent company of Walk and Hyde Park, has warned that the rapid growth of online gambling is reducing the share of disposable income available for retail spending, threatening the performance of shopping malls in South Africa. The company flagged this concern in its recently released pre-close operational update for the four months to October 31.
Despite the competition from online gambling and a challenging economic environment, Hyprop reported that its centres in South Africa performed well during the fiscal period, with tenants’ turnover increasing by 2.9 per cent and trading density rising by 3.1 per cent from July to October 2025.
The company attributed the success to the strategic locations of its malls, a well-curated tenant mix, and its ongoing efforts to provide distinctive experiences for shoppers. Hyprop’s property portfolio includes 12 prime shopping centres distributed across Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-natal.
Hyprop’s remarks reflect the rising fear amongst South African businesses that online gambling is cannibalising retail sales. It echoes the recent sentiments of Sean Summers, CEO of Pick n Pay, who alleged that offshore betting platforms are siphoning over R1bn (€52m) weekly from South Africa and advocated for a complete ban on online gambling ads.
While online gambling remains largely unregulated, a recent proposal by the South African Treasury to impose a 20 per cent tax on GGR from online betting and interactive games suggests the government will rather take a controlled approach than an outright ban.
