As online gambling continues to grow across Africa, governments are increasing taxes to address addiction risks and replenish state funds. In South Africa, the largest market in the region, the gambling industry is pushing back against this.
The South African Government has proposed a 20% national tax on online gambling profits. This tax is expected to more than double the sector's revenue.
The draft bill is set to be presented to lawmakers this year, with the final tax proposal expected to be introduced in February 2027. Several political parties in parliament have expressed their support for the tax.
However, betting firms are strongly opposing the proposal. Sean Coleman, CEO of the South African Bookmakers' Association, contends that when you combine provincial, value-added and national taxes with the new levy, the total tax burden on profits would amount to 38.5%.
Additionally, other Southern African nations, such as Malawi and Zimbabwe, have implemented similar tax increases on gambling profits this year.
Senegal, which is facing significant debt, also announced new gambling taxes as part of its economic recovery plan last year.
On 1 November 2025, Senegal began collecting a 20% tax on all gambling winnings. Meanwhile, in December 2025, Malawi also introduced a 15% tax on all player winnings.
Critics in Senegal, including Seydina Mohamed Moustapha Gueye, who leads a support group for gambling addicts, have cautioned that taxation alone will not protect vulnerable players without accompanying policies and support measures.
Malawi, Zimbabwe, Senegal and South Africa are increasing their gambling taxes.
