SA Gambling Revenue To Reach €3.63B in 2025 According to SOFTSWISS Report

According to a recent market report from SOFTSWISS, South Africa’s gambling industry is expected to generate around €3.63 billion in gross gambling revenue (GGR) by the end of 2025. This huge figure reflects just how much the local market has grown in recent years.

SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider in the online gaming space, released the report as part of its deep dive into iGaming in South Africa. The document gives a detailed look at trends, challenges, and opportunities in the country, and the findings show that South Africa is quickly becoming one of Africa’s hottest gambling markets.

Sports and crash betting dominate earnings

Not all parts of the gambling sector are growing at the same pace. The report reveals that betting alone accounts for more than 60% of total revenue. That includes fixed-odds sports betting, horse racing, and more recent formats like crash games that have become especially popular with younger players.

Traditional online casino games (like slots and table games) are still banned under national law, so operators are getting creative by offering casino-style experiences in betting formats. For example, number-based games and roulette-style wheels are legally presented as sports bets with fixed odds.

Mobile devices drive gambling growth

One of the biggest trends highlighted in the report is the rise of mobile betting. Around 81% of all online betting in South Africa now happens on smartphones and tablets. This isn’t surprising when you consider the country’s strong mobile network coverage and affordable data plans.

More and more, players want to bet on the go, whether it’s placing a wager during a live game or spinning a virtual wheel on their lunch break. As a result, operators are designing mobile-first platforms, adding features like quick sign-up flows, biometric logins, and real-time bonuses to keep users engaged.

Navigating the legal gambling framework

While the revenue potential is impressive, entering the South African gambling market isn’t simple. The country has a multi-layered regulatory system, with oversight coming from both the National Gambling Board and nine separate provincial licensing authorities. Each province has its own set of rules and requirements, which means companies must navigate a maze of paperwork and compliance hurdles.

On top of that, there’s a 15% VAT on betting transactions, which eats into profits. Still, SOFTSWISS and other operators believe the market is worth the effort due to its size, growth rate, and mobile-driven momentum.

A strong future for iGaming in South Africa

With strong mobile infrastructure, a huge player base, and continuous product innovation, South Africa’s gambling market is clearly on the rise. While the legal framework remains complex, both local and international companies are eager to tap into the potential.

As SOFTSWISS expands its presence in South Africa (most recently partnering with Africa Tech Week 2025 in Cape Town), it’s clear that global interest in the region is growing fast.

If things go as expected, €3.63 billion in revenue is just the beginning. The South African gambling market is on track to become one of the most dynamic and competitive in the world.