South Africa’s online gambling boom is driving a sharp rise in addiction, even as government moves to introduce new taxes on the sector.
The National Gambling Board estimates that about two-thirds of adults now engage in online betting, up from 30% in 2017. At the same time, calls to a national gambling helpline have surged, reflecting growing concern over problem gambling.
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation says it treated more than 4 600 people for addiction last year, up from 2 600 in 2024.
Executive director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana told Reuters that economic pressure is a key driver. “We’re trying to gamble ourselves to prosperity,” she said.
