South Africa’s Online Casino Gaming Is Getting Popular

Published: 30/07/2020

Reading Time: 3 Min

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Online gambling is gaining momentum in many places around the world. Many countries welcome the idea of legalizing the industry as lawmakers seek an alternative source of tax revenue.

Online gambling in the US expanded in many states following the decision of the US Supreme Court to lift the ban on the industry. Online gambling is also gaining popularity in Europe, Asia, and the vast gambling market of Africa.

The global gambling scenario is moving towards the digital age. Land-based casinos are slowly adapting to the change, partnering with tech companies to reach a broader market. Online casinos reach places that traditional gambling facilities were unable to conquer.

It provided entertainment to people who are busy with their daily tasks, unable to visit actual gambling facilities.

With its high demand globally, online casino provided massive tax revenue for countries with the legal online gambling industry. The novel coronavirus boosted the growth of the industry. During lockdowns, people relied on online services for necessities and entertainment. Online casinos provided the casino-like experience that the gamblers want.

Gambling in South Africa

South Africa is one of the biggest markets for gambling. South Africans love gambling proven by 45 land-based casinos hosted by the region, and it has the most significant number of casinos within the continent. The gambling industry in South Africa represents one percent of its GDP. The market figure revealed that more than 90 percent of South Africans gambled.

Regulators revealed that the casino industry was able to produce revenue despite the pandemic. The growth of the industry, despite the pandemic, showed how South Africans love gambling.

The National Gambling Board reported that the gross gambling revenue continued rising after its debut. The regulator revealed that more people gambled every year.

The gambling industry in Africa showed a positive trend.

The growth of land-based casinos implies that South Africans are ready for another level of gambling. It is safe to say that online gambling will flourish in the area. Gambling regulators reported growth in the national lottery and bingo operations in the country.

Rise of online gambling in South Africa

South Africa is moving towards the legalization of gambling. Legislators are pushing the licensing of many forms of gambling in the country. Currently, online gambling is illegal in the country, but efforts to legalize the industry are on-going.

South Africans are now placing their bets on offshore gambling platforms. Most of these platforms are illegally operating in the country, increasing the risks of internet-related crimes and gambling addiction.

Illegal gambling sites avoid government regulations and offer high wager limits that increase the possibility that gamblers spend more cash. The legalization of the industry is needed for the safety of the gamblers.

South Africans will surely explore other gambling options if they are available. Wagers placed on illegal gambling sites represent massive losses for the country’s gambling industry.

Online casinos collect massive amounts of bets that could provide significant tax revenue for the country. The novel coronavirus showed the potential of the industry in boosting the economy of a nation.

In many places with legal online gambling, gambling tax revenue was used to fund coronavirus preventive measures.