More than half of working South Africans – 52% – gamble, with 40% admitting they do so frequently in the hope of making money to cover expenses or debt, according to the 2025 Old Mutual Savings & Investment Monitor (OMSIM).
Now in its 16th year, OMSIM tracks the financial attitudes, behaviours, and priorities of South Africans earning at least R8 000 a month. The 2025 findings highlight a shift from crisis management towards more forward-looking financial behaviour, while also disclosing worrying trends related to gambling.
According to OMSIM’s findings, gambling is largely an online activity, either through apps or betting websites. Among gamblers, sports betting is the most popular form, with 61% participating, followed by…