From Jackpots to Jobs: How South Africa’s Gambling Sector is Betting Big on Employment

In a country where the unemployment rate sits stubbornly above 32%, South Africa’s gambling industry is playing an unexpected hand—helping to solve the job crisis. The glitz of casinos and the rise of online betting platforms aren’t just about entertainment anymore—they’re fuelling livelihoods and economic resilience.

Recent figures from the National Gambling Board reveal that the industry pulled in a staggering R34 billion in gross gambling revenue during the 2022/2023 financial year. But beyond the financial headlines lies a more powerful narrative: more than 29,000 South Africans now work in this sector.

Who’s Hiring?

Casinos are the biggest employers, with over 13,000 workers in roles ranging from dealers and hosts to operations, security, and administrative staff. The sports betting sector—supercharged by the nation’s passion for rugby, football, and cricket—has also surged, creating more than 7,000 jobs.

But these aren’t just front-desk roles. With the rise of online gambling, companies are hunting for digital skills—data analysts, marketers, IT professionals, UX designers, and cybersecurity specialists are in growing demand.

Smaller sub-sectors like Limited Payout Machines (LPMs), often found in taverns and local pubs, support 5,000 jobs, while the quieter bingo market adds another 3,500 to the employment pool.

Digital Gambling Is Driving Change

Online platforms now make up around 25% of all jobs in the gambling sector. Whether it’s mobile betting apps or real-time odds tracking, the shift to digital has opened up an entirely new segment of employment—one that thrives on technology and innovation.

Companies are also investing in skills. From Tsogo Sun Gaming to Sun International, major players offer in-house training and apprenticeships. Meanwhile, the Gambling Sector Education and Training Authority (GSETA) is helping certify new entrants, many from disadvantaged communities.

Where Are the Jobs?

Gauteng leads the country in gambling-related employment, followed by KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. These provinces are home to major entertainment hubs and digital infrastructure, giving them a head start in the industry’s expansion.

Upskilling and Opportunity

The industry is more than just a lifeline—it’s a ladder. From entry-level jobs to specialist digital roles, gambling is one of the few sectors actively training and upskilling workers, preparing them for careers in South Africa’s evolving digital economy.

In the face of rising joblessness, South Africa’s gambling industry is quietly becoming an economic force. While critics may focus on the risks of betting, the numbers show a sector that’s employing, empowering, and evolving—one jackpot at a time.

As the country searches for sustainable solutions to unemployment, it might be time to take the gambling sector more seriously—not for its luck, but for its lasting impact.

{Source: Focus Africa}

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