Streaming, sports betting and digital bookings are among SA’s top ten fastest-growing spending habits, according to a new report by Visa and Discovery Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africans are betting big, literally, on online entertainment<\/strong>. According to a newly released consumer spending report from Visa<\/strong> and Discovery Bank<\/strong>, digital entertainment is now among the top ten spending categories in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From binge-worthy streaming to a surge in sports betting<\/strong> and online event bookings, South Africans are leaning into the digital realm not just for convenience, but for connection, excitement and even escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Online entertainment continues to surge,” the report states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The SpendTrend25 study<\/strong> dives deep into five years of local and global data, examining how spending habits have evolved in response to inflation, tech innovation and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite a high interest rate environment and tighter household budgets, South Africans are prioritising entertainment, especially in its online form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With sports betting listed, the trend signals a clear shift: people want on-demand excitement, and they’re finding it in apps, live games<\/strong> and streamed content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The findings point to a tech-savvy nation increasingly confident in digital payments and online experiences. The use of digital wallets is on the rise, and omni-channel retail experiences like ordering online and collecting in-store are now the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, it’s the rise of online entertainment that’s turning heads. The demand is about more than fun – it’s about value, variety and flexibility. With a wave of subscription services now expanding into areas like AI tools, groceries and even sports bookings, the digital economy<\/strong> is becoming as diverse as it is dynamic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And while consumers remain cautious, still favouring cash for budgeting, digital spending<\/strong> is undeniably on the rise, reshaping what leisure looks like in a modern, mobile-first South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As banks, businesses and brands take note, one thing is clear: online entertainment<\/strong> isn’t just trending, it’s transforming.<\/p>\n\n\nTech-savvy nation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n