South Africa’s gambling industry stands at a critical juncture, balancing its role as a significant economic contributor against the imperative to mitigate social harm. The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, to be held on 13–14 November at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, will confront this central paradox, uniting global experts, policymakers and industry leaders to forge a sustainable path forward.
According to the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) National Gambling Statistics, the South African Gambling landscape continues to grow as a multi-billion-rand industry, which in the year 2023/2024 contributed R1.1 trillion, of which R59.3 billion was Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) and R4.8 billion collected in taxes and levies. this is indicative of the value-added contribution of the gambling industry in the country's GDP, employment creation and support for critical public services through taxes. The 2024/2025 industry financial performance will be launched by the Acting CEO of the National Gambling Board, Mr Lungile Dukwana, at the RG Summit:
“The legal gambling industry generates vital revenue that supports public services, job creation, and development in South Africa. But we recognise that these benefits must never come at the expense of people’s wellbeing. Addressing gambling addiction requires acknowledging it as both a mental health and financial challenge. Finding sustainable solutions requires cross-sectoral collaboration, open dialogue, and shared responsibility across industry, regulators and civil society. By promoting responsible gambling practices and providing effective and accessible support systems, the industry can continue to deliver economic value while safeguarding individuals and families from harm."
The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), a flagship initiative of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), provides complimentary treatment and counselling services for individuals struggling with problem gambling. The Foundation’s revenue collection has experienced a surge due to the expansion of the betting sector, reaching over R40 million. Notably, there remains a substantial disparity between the anticipated NRGP collection, derived from the GGRs published by the National Gambling Board (NGB), and the actual amount collected by the Foundation. In the 2023/24 financial year, the NGB released national GGRs totalling R59.3 billion. Consequently, the Foundation’s NRGP 0.1% GGR income collections for the year under review were projected to range from R50 million upwards. However, the Foundation only successfully collected approximately R41 million, resulting in a shortfall of R18.3 million. This discrepancy underscores the challenges faced by the Foundation and raises concerns regarding the lack of commitment from certain operators to contributing to the NRGP while simultaneously benefiting from its toll-free counselling line and advertising compliance tag line, as outlined in the National Regulations 2004.
“The SARGF continues to work with some Provincial Licensing Authorities to assist with real-time GGR confirmations to maximise NRGP income collections” says SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane Quntana. However, the growth of the industry carries significant problem gambling and gambling disorder risks which often comes as personal cost to individuals who suffer its consequences. The Foundation has provided counselling and treatment for over 20 000 people over the last two decades. The rapid expansion of online betting has created unintended environment where vulnerable citizens are exposed to unprecedented gambling exposure risks in the form of impairment and disruption in their social well-being. As the industry grows the number of people seeking treatment has grown from 2,662 in 2023/2024 to & 4,166 in 2024/2025
"The objectives of the of this summit is not to dismantle a vital economic engine, but to ensure the balance between gambling and responsible gambling and that laws are crafted to support both concepts built around unshakeable foundation of responsibility and accountability of the industry and the safety of citizens who consume gambling products. Built upon is the development of a collaborative and unified National Responsible Gambling Framework under the National Responsible Gambling Programme," says SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane Quntana. "We will learn from global best practices to ensure our growth is both economic and ethical, protecting our communities while supporting a sustainable industry."
The two-day event will move beyond discussion to create measurable action plans, with progress tracked and reported biennially. The summit’s solutions-driven agenda will target urgent themes, including:
The summit will conclude with the presentation of the Responsible Gambling Award, honouring operators and regulators for their outstanding contribution to consumer protection.