South Africans’ Gambling Habits: More Than Just Entertainment
Recent data show that gambling is becoming a regular part of many South Africans’ financial routines, moving beyond occasional fun to a source of ongoing financial strain. The 2026 Sanlam Benchmark Survey, a nationally representative study of household finances, found that 50 % of respondents had spent money on gambling, betting or lottery activities in the three months preceding the survey. Most of these expenditures were funded directly from monthly salaries, highlighting how routine “small regular leaks” can erode long‑term financial security.
Key Findings from the 2026 Sanlam Benchmark Survey
- Half of all surveyed adults reported gambling activity in the last quarter.
- Among gamblers, 62 % said they used salary income to fund bets, while 21 % relied on savings or credit.
- Frequency varied: 34 % gambled weekly, 28 % monthly, and 38 % only occasionally.
- Online platforms accounted for 57 % of all gambling transactions, a rise of 12 percentage points since the 2022 survey.
These figures are drawn from the Sanlam Benchmark Survey’s publicly released methodology note (Sanlam, 2026).
Why Online Betting Is Growing
Nzwa Shoniwa, Managing Director at Sanlam Umbrella Solutions, points to three drivers behind the surge in online gambling:
- Accessibility: Mobile apps and websites allow users to place bets anytime, removing the need to visit a physical venue.
- Marketing incentives: Free bets, deposit bonuses and loyalty programmes lower the perceived barrier to entry.
- Social normalisation: Peer groups and social media often portray betting as a harmless pastime, reinforcing regular participation.
Shoniwa notes that the convenience of digital platforms turns what might be an occasional wager into a habitual expense that many fail to track.
The Link Between Gambling and Financial Stress
Financial stress is a well‑documented consequence of unmanaged gambling. The survey revealed that respondents who gambled weekly were 1.8 times more likely to report difficulty meeting essential expenses (rent, utilities, food) compared with non‑gamblers. Shoniwa explains:
“When money leaves the paycheck for betting, it creates a ripple effect—less cash for savings, higher reliance on credit, and increased anxiety about meeting obligations.”
This stress not only harms personal wellbeing but can also spill over into the workplace.
Implications for Employers and Workplace Well‑Being
Employers are increasingly seeing gambling‑related financial strain affect productivity, absenteeism, and retirement readiness. According to internal Sanlam workplace wellness data (2025), employees reporting high financial stress due to gambling were:
- 23 % more likely to take unscheduled leave.
- 15 % less likely to participate in employer‑sponsored retirement schemes.
- Scored lower on engagement surveys by an average of 0.4 points on a 5‑point scale.
Shoniwa advises companies to consider:
- Integrating financial literacy modules that address gambling risks into employee wellness programmes.
- Providing confidential counselling services for those experiencing gambling‑related distress.
- Monitoring anonymised metrics (e.g., payroll advances, loan requests) for early warning signs.
What “Small Regular Leaks” Mean for Long‑Term Security
The concept of a “small regular leak” refers to modest, recurring outflows that, over time, compound into significant shortfalls. For example, a monthly gambling spend of ZAR 500 amounts to ZAR 6,000 per year—equivalent to missing out on roughly ZAR 120,000 of potential retirement savings after 20 years, assuming a modest 5 % annual return.
Shoniwa stresses that awareness is the first step:
“People often underestimate how seemingly trivial bets add up. By visualising the long‑term impact, individuals can make more informed choices about where their money goes.”
Recommendations for Individuals and Employers
For individuals:
- Set a strict, pre‑determined gambling budget and treat it as any other discretionary expense.
- Use banking alerts or budgeting apps to track gambling transactions in real time.
- Seek help early if gambling feels compulsive; resources such as the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offer free counselling.
For employers:
- Introduce quarterly financial wellness workshops that include a segment on gambling risks.
- Offer employee assistance programmes (EAPs) with specialised gambling support.
- Review payroll data for patterns that may signal financial distress, enabling timely intervention.
By recognising gambling as a potential financial leak rather than mere entertainment, both workers and organisations can take proactive steps to protect long‑term financial health and workplace wellbeing.
