South Africa is facing what many believe is a growing gambling crisis. In recent years, the surge of online and sports betting has changed not only how often people gamble but also how deeply some are getting into debt. For many individuals and households, especially in the lower to middle income range, what starts as a harmless bet becomes a source of serious financial strain.
In this post, we explore what is driving the gambling boom, including the role of major operators like Betway and Hollywoodbets, the impact on consumers, and how services like Meerkat’s debt review can help those who are already over-indebted.
What the Data Shows: A Boom in Gambling
A recent Moneyweb article titled “SA, we have a (gambling) problem” highlights some revealing trends:
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Since 2022, gross gambling revenues in South Africa have grown by more than 25 percent per year, largely driven by betting on sports, horseracing and similar activities rather than traditional casinos.
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In 2024, the total turnover across all gambling activities reached R1.14 trillion, up from about R815 billion the year before.
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The biggest growth has come from online and app-based betting, with some users placing dozens of bets each month.
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Much of this growth has come after COVID-19 disruptions, with the industry bouncing back quickly and aggressively expanding.
These figures point to a major shift in how South Africans engage with gambling, and in how often.
Betway, Hollywoodbets and the Rise of App-Based Betting
Two of the biggest players in South Africa’s betting landscape are Betway and Hollywoodbets. According to the same Moneyweb investigation:
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Betway is estimated to make up about one third of the country's betting industry.
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Hollywoodbets is also a major operator, and both companies have heavily invested in advertising across sports broadcasts, social media and mobile platforms.
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These brands have made betting more visible, more normalised and far more accessible, especially via smartphones.
While these services are legally operated under South African law, the volume of marketing, bonuses and in-play betting features can encourage users to bet more often than they can afford.
The Real Impact: Debt, Stress and Financial Instability
Behind the large numbers lies a more personal cost. For many South Africans, gambling is no longer just entertainment but a financial burden.
Some of the biggest consequences include:
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Over-indebtedness: Individuals may find themselves behind on rent, electricity, groceries and loan repayments as gambling starts to consume a growing share of their income.
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Eroded savings: Emergency funds or savings for school fees, transport or healthcare are often the first to go.
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Displaced spending: Reports show that spending on entertainment, takeaways and even essentials has dropped for regular bettors.
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Mental and emotional strain: Debt, especially when caused by gambling, often comes with anxiety, shame and secrecy, placing additional strain on individuals and families.
These issues are particularly severe for lower-income earners who already face challenges due to high unemployment, inflation and rising living costs.
What Meerkat Offers: Debt Review as a Solution
If gambling has contributed to your debt situation, Meerkat can help. Our debt review service is designed specifically for South Africans who are over-indebted and need a practical way out.
What is Debt Review?
Debt review is a regulated, legal process in South Africa that helps consumers manage their debt through:
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A court-approved repayment plan
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Legal protection from creditors and debt collectors
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Consolidated monthly payments that are more affordable
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Reduced or frozen interest rates on some accounts
How Meerkat Helps:
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Full Financial Assessment
We look at your income, debt, expenses and spending habits to understand your full financial picture, including any money lost through gambling. -
Creditor Negotiation
Meerkat negotiates with your creditors to reduce your monthly repayments and get you back on track. -
Structured Repayment Plan
You’ll make one affordable monthly payment, tailored to your situation, helping you avoid missed payments and further penalties. -
Legal Protection and Peace of Mind
Once under debt review, your creditors cannot take legal action against you as long as you comply with your repayment plan.
What You Can Do Right Now
If gambling has started to affect your finances, or if you are already behind on debt repayments, here are some steps you can take:
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Track your spending: Be honest about how much you are spending on betting and what it is costing you elsewhere.
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Set firm limits: Restrict the time and money you allow for gambling.
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Seek help: Financial counselling, therapy or support from friends and family can make a big difference.
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Explore self-exclusion tools: Most betting platforms offer the ability to self-ban from betting if you ask.
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Contact Meerkat: If your debts are overwhelming, reach out for a free assessment to see if debt review could be the right solution.
Gambling in South Africa is growing rapidly, and the rise of companies like Betway and Hollywoodbets has brought betting into everyday life for millions. But for some, this new form of entertainment has become a financial trap.
If you are over-indebted due to gambling or any other reason, Meerkat is here to help. Our debt review service can give you the structure, support and protection you need to start your journey to financial stability.
You don’t need to go through it alone.
