The Gambling Industry in South Africa 2019

The South African Gambling Industry: The fortunes of South Africa’s gambling industry were mixed during the past year. Although the casino segment continues to generate the lion’s share of total gross gambling revenue, its market share has declined markedly as bingo, betting, limited payout machines become popular. Online gambling is increasingly taking share from on-the-ground casinos and other betting outlets. Although casinos generate higher revenues than other forms of gambling, the National Lottery attracts the highest number of players. ;

Regulatory Changes: The industry is heavily regulated and licensing is strictly controlled. The gambling regulatory framework is set to shift markedly when the National Gambling Amendment Bill is approved. In its current form, the bill provides for new offences and the forfeiture of illegal winnings, revised definitions covering bingo, limited payout machines, online gambling and advertising, the restructuring of the National Gambling Board into a National Gambling Regulator and the introduction of a self-regulating body for the horse racing industry. This and other regulatory changes such as the Liquor Amendment Bill, the proposed gambling levy and proposals in Gauteng to change casino tax may change the fortunes of some casino and betting operators. ;

Report Coverage: This report on the South African Gambling Industry includes comprehensive information on the sector and its subsectors including the lottery, casinos, limited payout machines, bingo and betting including betting on horse racing. There are profiles of 20 companies and national and provincial gambling boards in the sector. Profiled companies include major players such as Tsogo Sun, which completed the unbundling of its hotel division and Sun International, which announced plans to increase its holding in hotel and casino resort Sibaya and is in negotiations to make an acquisition in Chile. Others include Ithuba, which manages the lottery and Phumelela Gaming and Leisure, a major player in horse racing.