Even with a smaller population than many other provinces, Mpumalanga's gambling sector is thriving. Vusi Mtsweni, CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), explained that the province's strong reputation for stability and integrity has positioned it as one of South Africa's leading gambling regions.
Mpumalanga ranks as the second smallest province in South Africa in terms of land area and has a population of around 5.1 million, making it the sixth largest by population. Nevertheless, in the latest figures from the National Gambling Board, Mpumalanga reported a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of R22.25 billion ($1.15 billion) for the fiscal year 2024/25, placing it just behind the Western Cape, which achieved R23.13 billion.
This performance is noteworthy considering that Mpumalanga makes up roughly 6.3% of South Africa's land area and 8.3% of its population while contributing to 29.9% of the country's total GGR.
Mtsweni attributes this success to the MER's reputation as one of the “respected, credible, and influential” regulators in South Africa. He elaborated, stating, “Over the years, we have built a reputation for being progressive without being reckless, innovative without compromising regulatory standards, and collaborative without sacrificing our independence as a regulator.” He emphasized the high quality of governance, noting that the MER has enjoyed favorable audit results since its inception in 1995, marking nearly three decades of sound governance and financial discipline.
Why do operators prefer Mpumalanga? Mtsweni highlighted stability as a key advantage, with continuous leadership enabling the MER to make consistent, long-term decisions. This stability fosters trust with operators, which Mtsweni considers essential for cultivating a regulatory environment that promotes growth while ensuring player safety.
“Operators are not necessarily looking for the easiest regulator,” he stated. “They are looking for a regulator they can trust.” He expresses confidence in Mpumalanga's reputation for integrity, explaining that operators understand that the MER will enforce regulations and that non-compliance has consequences, yet decisions are made fairly and transparently. Mtsweni believes that operators value certainty and integrity above all.
The MER's approach to regulatory certainty focuses on risk-based, practical, and outcomes-oriented guidelines. “Our role is not to manage operators' businesses for them,” he said. “Nor is it to create unnecessary administrative burdens that stifle innovation and investment.” The goal is to establish clear standards and monitor outcomes while intervening when risks arise.
Looking ahead, Mtsweni expects the online betting landscape in South Africa to evolve significantly with ongoing technological advancements. The MER was the first gambling regulator established in post-apartheid South Africa and has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the licensed online gambling sector, which continues to thrive.
Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson recently predicted that the South African online gambling market could approximately double to R100 billion by 2030. Mtsweni foresees a future with increased digital trends that will blur the lines between traditional gambling sectors, as consumers seek convenience and seamless experiences regardless of the product's origin.
However, he also acknowledged that this rise in online betting presents both opportunities and responsibilities, particularly regarding responsible gambling. As online platforms make gambling products more accessible, regulators and operators will need to invest heavily in monitoring behavior, early intervention systems, consumer education, and responsible gambling tools. Mtsweni remarked, “Technology can be part of the problem, but it can also be part of the solution.”
