Is Your Favourite Game a Jackpot or a Bust? Analyzing the Player Count Odds in SA

Playing the most popular games isn’t a big priority for everyone but it is the most popular games that tend to get more attention in terms of upgrades, new features and even bonuses. The online casino industry in South Africa is booming, with slots taking the top spot in terms of the most player counts.

A recent report revealed that South Africans now spend more money on gambling than any other type of entertainment. The huge choice of games and the convenience of playing games on mobile devices have helped drive further engagement with online casino games.

There has been a major increase in mobile ownership in South Africa in recent years, with over 90% of the population now owning a smartphone. The improvements in network coverage and speeds has also helped to boost online iGaming in South Africa.

The overall revenue in South Africa for casinos and casino games market is due to reach close to US$2bn by the end of 2025. But if you are wondering which are the most played games and whether your favorite is up there amongst the most popular, here is an overview:

Slots

The most played slots by South Africans in 2025 are:

• Gonzo’s Quest
• Book of Dead
• Starburst
• Mega Moolah 
• Age of the Gods

The top five games all offer something different for players, such as the huge progressive jackpots of Mega Moolah or the bright and engaging graphics of Starburst. Book of Dead, the Egyptian themed slot has been a long-time favorite, since launching in 2016. However, the popularity remains as strong as ever.

Lotto

It is estimated that around 82% of South Africans play Lotto at least once per week, hoping that they will choose the lucky numbers that change their lives forever. The record jackpot for the Lotto is R232,131,750, so it is easy to see why so many players are drawn to this type of gambling.

Blackjack

While other table games like poker and roulette get large playing stats, it is blackjack that scores the number one spot for South African table game players.

The simple format of blackjack means that it is easy for new players to learn but as a classic card game, many people are already familiar with the rules before they play it as a casino game.

Blackjack also offers the best odds for winning compared to other table games, which is another reason for its popularity.

People enjoy playing blackjack because it combines skill and luck and players have more control over the outcomes compared to purely chance-based table games like roulette. However, there is less time needed to learn rules and strategies compared to games like poker.

What Does The Future Hold For South African Casino Games?

Live casino games have also become hugely popular, bringing a more immersive type of casino game, featuring interactions with the dealer and other players. The excitement of seeing a roulette ball fall into the pocket you have bet on feels considerably more thrilling with a live dealer compared to a RNG game on your screen.

South African gamblers now have a huge range of games to choose from, as you can see from these betgames. So, whether you prefer to play slots for instant rewards or enjoy the more strategic and longer game sessions of poker, you will find the perfect iGaming hobby to meet your preferences at online casinos.

Another exciting technology development that will shape the future of online gambling in South Africa is the launch of VR casino games.

While live dealer games offer a highly immersive experience with high-quality video streams, VR casino games will take this a large step further. 

Imagine being able to walk around the casino and sit down at your preferred table, chatting to other bettors and even handling chips.

The implementation of VR casino technology is still at the early stages but it won’t be long before these almost real-life casinos become a standard option. All you will need is your VR headset to feel like you have walked into a land-based casino.

Some VR casino games are also built with replica environments of the world’s most famous casinos, so your dream of playing roulette at MGM Grand Las Vegas could be closer than you ever imagined.

The South African online casino industry continues to grow from strength to strength and whether your favorite game is amongst the top played games or you enjoy more obscure games, a lot of investment is going into improvements across iGaming experiences.