South Africa named rising power in 2025 iGaming Trends

The global iGaming Trends 2025 Report has recognised South Africa as a critical growth market.

 Published by SOFTSWISS, an international tech company developing software for the entertainment industry, the report leverages extensive data.

 Among many findings, it outlines how technology, mobile adoption, and evolving consumer preferences shape the region’s future and present opportunities for operators and investors.

 According to the report, South Africa’s gross gambling revenue reached ZAR 59.3bn in 2023-2024, marking a 25.7 per cent year-on-year growth.

 Driving this growth is the dominance of sports betting, which accounted for 60.5 per cent of the total market.

 The report stated that South Africa’s high smartphone penetration rate of over 70 per cent and the expansion of digital platforms have played pivotal roles in achieving this milestone, adding that mobile betting has become a cornerstone of the industry, providing operators with direct access to an increasingly digital-first audience.

 “While the market demonstrates growth potential, it also faces challenges. Fragmented provincial regulations and a 15 per cent VAT on betting transactions present operational complexities for businesses. However, these challenges have not deterred both global and local investors from contributing.

 The overall gambling market across the African continent is expected to reach ZAR 213bn by 2032, with sports betting remaining the primary growth driver, largely due to its accessibility and widespread popularity, particularly in football. In addition to South Africa, key contributors to this growth also include Nigeria and Kenya,” the report stated.

 Chief Commercial Officer at SOFTSWISS, Max Trafimovich, said: “South Africa is emerging as a key player in the iGaming sector, driven by strong digital adoption and a thriving sports culture. With increasing mobile penetration and a growing middle class, the market offers significant potential for expansion, making it a welcoming sign for operators and investors alike.”

 On a global level, the report described over 15 major trends classified into specific groups: technology, regulation, marketing, and business development. Prepared with the support of eight top industry brands, it presents fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the latest iGaming trends.