South Africa’s casino operators were responsible for more than 70% of the entire gambling industry’s R24-billion contribution to the gross domestic product.
That’s according to figures for the 2014/15 financial year released on Monday in the Casino Association of South Africa’s (Casa) “Survey of Casino Entertainment in South Africa -2015”.
The casino income total of R17.2-billion was a 4.5% increase from the previous financial year.
Casa hoped the results would encourage authorities to help create a “flexible operating environment”.
Casa’s survey revealed that its members “contributed R5.7-billion towards government tax revenue in the form of various taxes and levies‚ which represents 37% of the value generated by them this year”.
“Despite the economic downturn‚ the study reveals a slight growth in the casino industry and once again highlights the important contribution casinos make towards the South African economy‚” said Casa CEO Themba Ngobese.
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“This is an exciting and fast-paced industry that is surviving despite the depressed economy and resultant decrease in consumer spending.”
The association’s members invested an amount equalling 13.4% - R2.3 billion - of their revenue “in capital expenditure at their properties”‚ and “support about 64000 direct jobs”.
“The casino industry is a significant employer particularly in the arts and entertainment‚ accommodation‚ food and beverage sector. This has a multiplier effect that ripples through the economy‚” said Ngobese.
Other boast-worthy findings of the survey included that direct corporate social investment totalled R134-million - an increase of R26-million from the previous year - R56-million was channelled into the education sector‚ and R32-million “went towards local communities within which the Casa member casinos operate”.
“There is no doubt that our findings show the positive impact casinos have on South Africa’s economy‚” said Ngobese.
“In light of this‚ we are calling upon policymakers to focus on providing a more flexible operating environment and eliminate policies which inhibit investment‚ to reconsider some of the proposals outlined in the draft National Liquor Policy and to stamp out illegal online gambling.”
“In order for the gambling industry to continue serving the economy‚ we need policies introduced that allow the industry to innovate‚ reinvest and contribute towards local communities.”
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