In a study commissioned by the National Gambling Board, the Bureau of Market Research at the University of South Africa has found that fewer South Africans are gambling. This suggests that the gambling market has matured relatively quickly and the industry now contributes less than 1% of GDP. The survey also revealed that only 1.7% of household budgets was spent on gambling.

The National Gambling Board is of the opinion that better education has led South Africans as a whole to consider gambling as a form of recreation and entertainment, with realistic appreciation of the odds on making money. In 2005 casinos accounted for 70% of gambling revenue, lottery and scratch cards 22% and 6% horseracing. Wagering on the national lottery has declined from 71.3% in 2002 to 45.8% last year. The numbers of South Africans not participating in gambling activity increased from 43.2% in 2002 to 50.2% in 2005.

Whilst numbers of non-gamblers might be rising, most South Africans (80.6%) find gambling acceptable. The Gambling Board views this as a pleasing affirmation of public confidence in South Africa’s strict regulatory regime, also that the government’s leverage of the licensing process benefits the public and creates BEE opportunities. The study found that problem gambling remains relatively low and comparable to international norms. (E-04.20.06)

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