In an interview on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive with John Maytham<\/strong>, Summers claimed that offshore betting platforms are draining more than R1bn<\/strong> (\u20ac52m) from the country every week, depriving the local economy of vital funds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n He referenced banking data which reveals that around 20 per cent<\/strong> of social grants, particularly SASSA benefits<\/strong> meant for essentials such as food and rent, are being spent on mobile betting apps. Summers said: \u201cIt\u2019s down at the lower end of the market where people are battling to feed their families, never mind anything else. It\u2019s just bizarre, and the quantum is absolutely massive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the last fiscal year, South Africa\u2019s gambling losses reached ZAR 70bn<\/strong> (\u20ac3.6bn), a figure comparable to Pick n Pay\u2019s annual turnover. Summers described online gambling as a \u201cscourge\u201d that local authorities need to urgently address. Unlike land-based casinos and lotteries, which generate jobs and contribute taxes, he posits that online platforms quietly siphon money out of the economy without benefits to local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Chief Executive also urged for a regulated approach, similar to European countries like Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, which have implemented bans or restrictions on gambling advertising, especially near areas frequented by children and in public spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sector\u2019s rapid growth, nearly 60 per cent<\/strong> year-on-year, is driven by smartphones and advertising, making gambling more accessible than ever. Summers expressed concern that vulnerable citizens, including low-income earners and students, are disproportionately affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He emphasised that many individuals in poverty turn to online betting as a last resort, often resulting in devastating financial consequences. He said: \u201cThis is money that has been hoovered out of this economy in extraordinary amounts, and the people who are predominantly the victims are the ones who can least afford it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparing the industry’s current practices to the harmful promotion of tobacco, Summers called for stronger regulations and higher taxes, but recommended banning gambling advertisements altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gambling industry generated R75bn <\/strong>(\u20ac3.9bn) in gross revenue in 2024-2025, with online betting representing the fastest-growing segment. The National Gambling Board and other provincial regulatory agencies in South Africa have signalled intentions to tighten controls, including cracking down on gambling influencer promotions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Paradise-slot-machine-deploy-hit-by-the-Covid-19-pandemic-900x600-300x200.jpg\")
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