Momentum Group Foundation warns rapid rise in South Africa betting industry fuels financial risks
Salem Nyati pointed out that constant marketing and digital exposure have normalised betting, making it harder for people to take breaks or stop.
South Africa.- South African non-profit organisation Momentum Group Foundation has raised concerns over the rapid growth of betting in the country, which it says is driven by economic hardship and the ease of online access.
According to the Foundation’s Consumer Financial Education Specialist, Salem Nyati, more people are turning to gambling to meet daily expenses rather than for fun. She added that online betting removes friction: it is immediate, always accessible via a smartphone and can be done privately, which may reduce the social ‘brake’ that exists with in-person gambling.
The National Gambling Board reports that in 2024/25, gross gambling revenue reached R74.9bn (€3.96bn), with online sports betting making up 70 per cent, equivalent to R52.3bn (€2.77bn). Total amounts wagered during the period reached R1.5trn (€79.5bn), a 31 per cent increase from the previous year.
Nyati pointed out that constant marketing and digital exposure have normalised betting, making it harder for people to take breaks or stop, as the advertising industry increasingly relies on betting as its primary revenue source.
She also cautioned that young people are especially vulnerable as easy access to online betting can lead to long-term financial and behavioural problems.
Nyati explained that teenagers are increasingly experimenting with gambling and discussing it casually, often mirroring behaviours seen at home. She noted that this can hard-wire “quick win” thinking before emotional maturity, stable income or financial literacy are in place. Always-on access and instant deposits make gambling feel like a game on a phone rather than a high-risk financial decision.
She further explained that young people often receive small stipends or allowances while carrying family expectations, which can make them more susceptible to the mindset of needing to “make money fast” and turning those funds towards gambling.
Nyati stressed that while the industry provides revenue and jobs, these patterns create real financial dangers, especially for those under economic pressure. The Foundation called for a comprehensive strategy combining stricter regulation, responsible gambling education and targeted support programs to protect vulnerable individuals.
