Despite tough economic times, South Africans keep spending cash at casinos
Gross gambling revenue increased to R18.45bn in 2017-2018 from R17.83bn in 2016-2017
Gross gambling revenue (GGR) in the country increased to R18.45bn in 2017-2018‚ up from R17.83bn in 2016-2017 and R18.15bn in 2015-2016. “While this increase is definitely encouraging‚ as an industry we are still held back by a tough economic climate as well as the impact of illegal gambling activities‚” Casino Association of SA (Casa) CEO Themba Ngobese said. “Our biggest competition is actually retail. A family that has R1‚000 to spend on entertainment is most likely to go to a restaurant because at the Spur, mom‚ dad and kids can have something to eat and have fun as opposed to choosing the option to gamble.” Casa presented its latest figures on Tuesday at Montecasino in Johannesburg. The association was founded in 2003 and represents 35 of the 38 casinos in SA. Its members include Tsogo Sun‚ Peermont Global and Caesars Entertainment. Gauteng was the busiest province‚ generating R8.01bn of the gross gambling revenue (43%) in seven casinos‚ followed by KwaZulu-Natal with R3.51bn a...
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