The South African Reserve Bank published a data story in its March Quarterly Bulletin assessing how much South Africans actually spend on gambling, distinguishing between headline gambling turnover and gross gambling revenue (GGR). It concludes that while gambling activity has grown sharply, it remains a small part of overall household expenditure. Gambling turnover increased more than fourfold from ZAR 358 billion in 2015 to about ZAR 1.5 trillion in 2024, but the Bank notes this measure reflects total amounts wagered, including winnings that are bet again. Using GGR, calculated as total wagers minus winnings paid out, the analysis estimates GGR rose from ZAR 26.3 billion in 2015 to ZAR 74.5 billion in 2024, with growth picking up after COVID-19 alongside increased online betting. In the household expenditure and inflation statistics, gambling is captured under “games of chance”, which accounted for 1.3% of total household spending in 2024, up from 1.1% in 2015, while GGR as a share of total household spending increased from 0.9% to 1.6%. Further detail is provided in the March 2026 edition of the Quarterly Bulletin.
South African Reserve Bank 2026-04-02
South African Reserve Bank data story puts gross gambling revenue at ZAR 74.5bn in 2024 and shows it remains a small share of household spending
The South African Reserve Bank, in its March Quarterly Bulletin, published an analysis of gambling expenditure that distinguishes between headline gambling turnover and gross gambling revenue (GGR). It finds that while gambling turnover rose from ZAR 358 billion in 2015 to about ZAR 1.5 trillion in 2024, GGR increased more moderately from ZAR 26.3 billion to ZAR 74.5 billion over the same period, with gambling still accounting for a relatively small share of household spending at 1.3% in 2024.