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Sports betting addiction rising in SA [video]
A new survey into sports betting in South Africa says the industry is experiencing a massive online boom. Particularly among gamblers aged 18 to 34, online sports betting is even starting to challenge the popularity of the National Lottery.
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South Africa's gambling revenue – including casinos and online sports betting – is projected to touch R64 billion in 2025. Nevertheless, there are concerns that gamblers are endangering their finances by using essential or borrowed funds for sports betting.
Accordingly, InfoQuest, tracked the habits and attitudes of 300 local gamblers for a period of one year, reports Daily Investor. Its study found that sports betting was the most frequent gambling transaction per month. With an average occurrence 11 times per month.
Read the full version of the 'South Africans are becoming addicted to sports betting' article.
SPORTS BETTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Meanwhile, the National Lottery, saw an average occurrence 10 times per month. And is more popular with older gamblers (35 to 65). However, while the industry is generating significant revenue and employment opportunities, there are heightened concerns about addiction and illegal operators.
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Interestingly, InfoQuest found that in-person gambling at casino tables declined from 7 to 5 occurrences per month. However, 48% of South African gamblers said they're engaging in sports betting and other activities more often than they were one-year ago. As such, the growing engagement – enabled by easily accessible online platform – represents shifting social norms towards gambling.
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