Sports betting has become one of the fastest-growing forms of gambling in South Africa, but mental health professionals are warning that the real cost may extend far beyond financial losses.
As economic pressure continues to mount, more South Africans are turning to betting in the hope of improving their financial situation. However, experts say the combination of rising living costs, unemployment and the promise of quick rewards is creating conditions that may increase the risk of harmful gambling behaviour.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), gambling accounted for 34.4% of all spending on personal services, making it one of the country’s largest consumer spending categories. Only healthcare generated a greater share of spending at 35.9%, while education services accounted for just 13.7%.
Industry figures also show that revenue from bookmakers and online gambling operators grew by 72% between 2018 and 2023, highlighting the rapid expansion of the sector.
In 2025 alone, South Africans reportedly wagered R1.5 trillion, underlining the scale of the country’s betting market.
Financial pressure is driving more people to gamble
Registered counsellor Itumeleng Phillips said financial stress remains one of the biggest reasons many South Africans are drawn to sports betting.
High unemployment, rising household expenses and the hope of quick financial relief can make gambling appear to be an attractive solution, particularly for people facing economic hardship.
Phillips explained that sports betting often creates an “illusion of control” because bettors believe their knowledge of teams, players, statistics and betting odds improves their chances of success.
Marketing campaigns may reinforce this perception by promoting betting as a skill rather than a game of chance.
She noted that many people remember their wins more clearly than their losses, creating a false belief that they are close to recovering previous losses or achieving a significant payout.
Recognising the warning signs of gambling addiction
Mental health experts say gambling problems often develop gradually rather than suddenly.
According to Phillips, many gamblers minimise their behaviour by believing they only bet on weekends or that they can stop whenever they choose.
However, warning signs may include increasing betting amounts, borrowing money more frequently, struggling to explain missing finances, neglecting responsibilities, constantly checking betting apps and attempting to recover previous losses by placing additional bets.
She explained that gambling addiction is often driven not only by winning money but also by the emotional cycle of anticipation, excitement, disappointment, regret and renewed hope.
International guidance generally recommends limiting gambling expenditure to no more than 1% of income, while some experts suggest regular gamblers should keep total gambling spending below 5% of their net income, including sports betting, lotteries and casino games.
Phillips said anyone experiencing secrecy, financial distress, conflict at home or a loss of control because of gambling should consider seeking professional support before the problem becomes more serious.
Source: Adapted from Statistics South Africa and interviews with registered counsellor Itumeleng Phillips.