The Fastest Growing Gambling Trends Among Women in SA

Jessica Matabola4 August , 2025

In South Africa, the gambling landscape is changing, with more women becoming active participants. Gambling, once seen as a male-dominated industry, is now attracting women in significant numbers. Mobile gaming, social gambling, and sports betting are among the fastest-growing trends among South African women. This article highlights these trends and explores why more women are embracing gambling.

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Rising Female Participation in Gambling

Recent reports show that the number of women participating in gambling has significantly increased. According to Geopoll‘s Betting in Africa 2024 report, the percentage of women engaging in sports betting has risen from 20% in 2021 to 40% in 2023. This growth is due to factors such as technological advancements, mobile gambling, and the industry’s focus on inclusivity.

Historically, gambling was seen as a male-dominated activity. However, as platforms have become more accessible and user-friendly, women are joining in. The rise of mobile gaming has been especially important, offering women the freedom to gamble anytime, anywhere.

Mobile Gambling: A Game-Changer for Women

Mobile gambling has become one of the main ways South African women engage with gambling. With the increase in online casinos and sports betting apps, women can place bets and enjoy a variety of games directly from their smartphones or tablets. These platforms cater to women by offering simple navigation, flexible payment options, and a range of games that suit different tastes.

The convenience of mobile gambling has made it particularly appealing. Many women are now using mobile apps to place bets and enjoy games from the comfort of their homes. Lucky Lady Games highlights how these mobile platforms are designed to cater to female players, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience that keeps them coming back.

Social gambling is another growing trend among women in South Africa. Many women are drawn to gambling formats that offer more than just the thrill of winning; they want interaction and a sense of community. Electronic Bingo Terminals (EBTs) and lottery games, which allow players to engage with others, have become popular among women.

Live dealer games, where players interact with real dealers in real time, are also gaining traction. These games create a more personal and social experience, which resonates with many women. The appeal lies in the ability to connect with other players while enjoying the game.

Social gambling is about creating an interactive experience, making it feel less isolating and more fun. Platforms like Lucky Lady Games are thriving because they focus on building a community where players can interact while gambling.

Sports Betting: Women Getting in on the Action

Sports betting is another area where women are becoming more visible. Once dominated by men, sports betting is now becoming more inclusive. Women are increasingly placing bets on various sports, from soccer to rugby. The rise in female sports bettors can be attributed to the growing visibility of women’s sports, more media coverage, and easier access to sports betting platforms.

According to the South African Gambling Board, more women are now betting on everything from international soccer matches to local rugby games. For many women, sports betting adds excitement to watching their favourite games, making the experience even more engaging.

The growing support for women’s sports has also contributed to the increase in female sports bettors. As female athletes gain recognition, more women are interested in supporting them by placing bets on their performances. This trend shows that women are becoming more involved in the outcomes of these events.

The gambling landscape in South Africa is shifting, with women playing an increasingly important role in the industry. Mobile gambling, social gambling, and sports betting are driving this change. As more women embrace these gambling formats, the industry will continue to evolve, becoming more inclusive and diverse. With the rise of mobile apps, social gambling experiences, and easier access to sports betting, women in South Africa are redefining the gambling scene.