South African casinos pour billions into economy

The government is the industry's primary beneficiary, receiving about 37% of value-add, or us$ 534 million in revenue, during the period under review.

Information used in the survey was based on statistics published by the national and provincial gambling boards, casino companies and independent studies produced by industry-related bodies such as the National Responsible Gambling Programme.

Since casinos were constructed in the 1990s, the industry's total capital spending has totalled us$ 2.4 billion.

Derek Auret, CEO of the association, said tourism, both domestic and foreign, has experienced the most market impact from the industry. "While it cannot be argued that many tourists come to South Africa with the specific objective of gambling, the non-gambling facilities associated with the casino developments have greatly expanded the range of tourism infrastructure, thus enhancing South Africa's status as a destination."

However, gambling continues to be controversial partially because its benefits are largely funded by the losses of others.

The report says the industry has created nearly 48000 industry-related jobs, and together with indirect jobs this figure comes close to 90000.