Online Sports Betting - South Africa

Revenue in the Online Sports Betting market is projected to reach US$394.80m in 2024.
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 6.00%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$498.40m by 2028.
In the Online Sports Betting market, the number of users is expected to amount to 1.9m users by 2028.
User penetration will be 2.7% in 2024 and is expected to hit 2.9% by 2028.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$239.20.
In global comparison, most revenue will be generated Australia (US$9.76bn in 2024).
With a projected rate of 48.9%, the user penetration in the Online Sports Betting market is highest Canada.

Definition:

The online sports betting market refers to the segment of the online gambling industry that involves placing bets on various sports events over the internet. This includes a wide range of sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, horse racing, tennis, and many others. Online sports betting allows customers to place bets on the outcome of sporting events in real-time, either before or during the event. These bets can be placed through various online platforms, including websites and mobile apps, which are often operated by licensed online sportsbook operators.

Additional Information

Data includes revenue figures in Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR), which is the total amount of bets placed by customers minus the amount paid out in winnings, Users, average revenue per user (ARPU), user penetration rate, and a breakdown of revenue shares of the total betting market. User and revenue figures represent B2C services.

Online sports betting on various sports such as football, basketball, tennis, cricket, golf, etc.
Esports betting on sports simulation games such as FIFA, NBA 2K, and Madden NFL
Proposition betting on specific events or outcomes in a sports game

Offline or land-based sports betting establishments such as sportsbooks and race tracks
Betting on non-sporting events such as politics, entertainment, and reality TV shows
Illegal or unlicensed online sports betting websites or apps.

The Online Sports Betting market in South Africa has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences and local special circumstances.

Customer preferences: In South Africa, there has been a shift in customer preferences towards online sports betting platforms. This can be attributed to the convenience and accessibility offered by these platforms, allowing customers to place bets from the comfort of their own homes or on the go. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of sports and betting options has also contributed to the popularity of online sports betting in the country.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the South African online sports betting market is the increasing adoption of mobile betting. With the widespread use of smartphones and the availability of mobile betting apps, more and more customers are opting to place their bets through their mobile devices. This trend is expected to continue as mobile penetration rates in the country continue to rise. Another trend in the market is the growing popularity of live betting. Live betting allows customers to place bets on sporting events as they are happening, adding an element of excitement and engagement to the betting experience. This trend has been fueled by advancements in technology, which enable real-time updates and odds changes to be displayed on online platforms.

Local special circumstances: South Africa has a strong sports culture, with rugby, cricket, and soccer being particularly popular among its population. This passion for sports has translated into a growing interest in sports betting, as fans look to enhance their viewing experience by placing bets on their favorite teams and players. Furthermore, the regulatory environment for online sports betting in South Africa has become more favorable in recent years. The government has implemented regulations to ensure the integrity and fairness of the market, providing a secure and trustworthy environment for both operators and customers. This has helped to boost consumer confidence and drive the growth of the online sports betting market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the online sports betting market in South Africa can also be attributed to underlying macroeconomic factors. The country has a relatively high unemployment rate, and many individuals are looking for alternative sources of income. Online sports betting provides an opportunity for individuals to earn money through their knowledge and understanding of sports. Additionally, the increasing internet penetration rate in South Africa has also contributed to the growth of the online sports betting market. As more people gain access to the internet, the potential customer base for online sports betting platforms expands, driving market growth. In conclusion, the Online Sports Betting market in South Africa is experiencing growth due to changing customer preferences, such as the shift towards online and mobile betting, as well as the popularity of live betting. The country's strong sports culture and favorable regulatory environment also contribute to the market's development. Underlying macroeconomic factors, such as high unemployment rates and increasing internet penetration, further drive the growth of the market.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies, and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, the urban population, the usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.

Additional notes:

The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis and additional information on the Digital market, in a PDF format.

Sports betting is a type of gambling that refers to the activity of placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. Events on which wagers are made could be anything from more traditional activities like horse or dog racing to sports such as soccer and American football. Bets are typically made through bookmakers, also known as sportsbooks. These operate both as land-based establishments, for example, at casinos or betting shops, and online. The total amount of money wagered by bettors is known as a handle, while the amount of money earned by a sportsbook after paying out the winners is revenue. In 2022, the sports betting and lottery market size worldwide amounted to 235.46 billion U.S. dollars.