The South African casino market is part of the broader gambling industry that includes other forms of gambling such as the lottery, limited payout machines, bingo and sports betting. According to one of the search results, the gambling industry is recovering from the loss of business during the pandemic when casinos and bars were shut. However, industry sources say casino and bingo revenues are still below pre-pandemic levels, with the rebound being driven by betting and limited payout machines. The effects of the lockdown resulted in a shift in market share, largely to online betting. This trend is expected to continue, as the steady decline in the revenue market share of casinos has been going on for years.
According to MrCasinova’s recommendations in South Africa , South Africa is dominated by a few major players such as Tsogo Sun Holdings, Sun International and Peermont Global, which operate most of the licensed casinos in the country. The industry is regulated by the National Gambling Board and various provincial gambling boards, which issue licenses and monitor compliance. it is also influenced by factors such as the economic environment, illicit gambling, rising operational costs, labour issues, negative social consequences of gambling and technological innovation.
The businesses in this market face direct competition from new products and the borderless online environment, which deprive the country of licensing and tax revenue. Online gambling is illegal in South Africa, but it is difficult to monitor and regulate. Some online gambling sites are licensed in other jurisdictions and accept South African players. Online gambling had been increasingly taking share from on-ground casinos and other betting outlets before and during the pandemic.
The industry also faces indirect competition from other forms of entertainment and leisure activities, such as movies, sports, music and travel. It may benefit from increased tourism and investment in infrastructure and facilities, as well as from offering a diverse range of products and services to attract and retain customers.
The South African casino market growth depends on various factors such as the economic situation, the regulatory environment, the competitive landscape and the consumer preferences. According to one of the search results, the South African casinos and gaming sector registered total gross gaming win of $1,983.9m in 2020, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% between 2016 and 2020. However, the COVID-19 outbreak impacted the sector greatly in 2020, as casinos and other gambling establishments were shut down during the lockdown periods. The sector is expected to recover gradually as restrictions are eased and consumer confidence returns.
Another search result projects that the total revenue in the Casino Games market is projected to reach US$20.69 million in 2022 and US$30.05 million by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 7.15%. This segment includes online casino games that are played on mobile devices or computers. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing popularity of online gambling, especially during the pandemic when people were confined to their homes. However, online gambling is illegal in South Africa and poses a challenge for the regulation and taxation of the sector.
The businesses also face competition from other forms of gambling such as the lottery, limited payout machines, bingo and sports betting, which have different market shares and growth rates. According to another search result, the casino segment accounted for 64% of the total gross gaming win in 2018, followed by limited payout machines (14%), betting (13%), bingo (6%) and lottery (3%). However, the casino segment has been losing market share over the years, as other forms of gambling become more popular and accessible.
Therefore, the growth is not guaranteed and depends on various factors that may change over time. The casino market may need to adapt to the changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures, as well as to the legal and regulatory challenges that affect the sector. The casino market may also need to leverage technological innovation and diversification to attract and retain customers and to increase its revenue potential.
Challenges
The casino market is affected by the poor economic performance of the country, which reduces the disposable income and spending power of consumers. It is also vulnerable to interest rate hikes, inflation, currency depreciation and tax increases, which increase the operational costs and reduce the profitability of the sector
Also, the market is regulated by the National Gambling Board and various provincial gambling boards, which issue licenses and monitor compliance. However, the regulatory framework is not consistent across the provinces and may change over time. Gambling also faces the risk of increased taxation and levies from the provincial governments, which may affect its competitiveness and sustainability.
Casino businesses faces direct competition from other forms of gambling such as the lottery, limited payout machines, bingo and sports betting, which have different market shares and growth rates. The market also faces indirect competition from other forms of entertainment and leisure activities, such as movies, sports, music
The businesses need to adapt to the changing consumer preferences and expectations, which may vary by age, gender, income and location. The casino market also needs to cater to the diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the South African population. There is need to offer a variety of products and services to attract and retain customers and to increase customer loyalty.
Casinos needs to leverage technological innovation to enhance its efficiency, quality and convenience. Technological innovation may also create new opportunities for product development, customer engagement and market expansion. However, technological innovation also poses a challenge for the casino market, as it requires constant investment, upgrading and maintenance. Technological innovation may also create new risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches and system failures