Why Esports Betting is Growing Faster in South Africa?

Driven by the increase in mobile penetration and the demand for interactive content, esports currently sits where online betting and digital audiences are meeting. We’ll analyse this shift in the industry, looking at how consumer behaviour and gaming culture are shaping how South Africans are engaging with esports.

What is esports betting, and why is it gaining popularity?

Esports betting is similar to traditional betting in that players wager money (or even digital items such as weapon skins) on the outcome of matches and tournaments, based on fixed odds.

Among the most popular games are Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Valorant, while common betting markets include match winner or specific props such as getting a ‘first kill’.
While the mechanics of esports mostly match traditional sports betting, the pace is generally quicker, with teams able to play more games in a week than sports like soccer and rugby.

The fast pace of matches is also conducive to wagers being placed while a game is in progress, meaning bettors can benefit from sharp reactions and knowledge of a specific video game.
A report by analytics site Statista ^[1], updated in April 2026, suggests that the growing popularity of esports in South Africa has also driven the demand for online betting for gaming events.

Similarly, a 2026 Supabets report on igaming growth mentions esports betting growth increasing by 106% from 2023 to 2024, compared to just 8%-10% growth for traditional sports betting.
The National Gambling Board’s latest Sector Performance Report ^[2] also indicates that betting contributed around R52 billion of all gambling revenue, driven mainly by mobile integration.

What is driving esports betting in South Africa?

The growth of esports betting is widely considered a result of the convergence between South Africa’s strong gaming market and esports structures. Esports fans are predominantly younger, more digitally engaged, and smartphone-oriented, which aligns well with current trends in online betting.

In addition, popular games like Dota 2 and League of Legends have established fan and player bases, matching the expansion of esports as a whole. Esports also benefits from regular tournaments and audience engagement, highlighted by bodies such as the African Cyber Gaming League ^[3].

Looking at broader demographics, digital habits are also linked to the rise in esports’ popularity, with younger adults attuned to streaming and mobile. This could also be emphasised by betting trends of South Africans, where smartphone use and mobile habits are already impacting online gambling.

Esports betting, risks, and regulatory frameworks

While esports betting is growing because it aligns with South Africa’s mobile gaming audience, recent cautions from the NGB ^[4] underscore the need for education on gambling.

Publications such as Reuters have reported on the shift in focus on mitigating the risks of online betting, with legislation often having to adapt to problems as they arise in real time. Esports is also subject to vulnerabilities such as manipulation, match-fixing, and leaks, and bettors should understand that licensing and oversight over markets are important.

Concurrent to legislation, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation ^[5] offers free counselling and treatment for those struggling with problem betting and their loved ones.