Horse racing has fans in most countries, and the ability to bet on race outcomes amplifies its appeal beyond the pure competition of beasts and jockeys. However, its popularity varies from place to place, and South Africa has an interesting history in this regard.
So, what’s the story about horse racing in South Africa today, was it ever bigger in this particular corner of the continent, and how does it stack up against the remainder of the planet? Stick around to find out.
Then and Now
A recent Reuters report on horse racing in South Africa paints a divided picture of the sport’s popularity there. While practised for around 160 years and the sole option for betting domestically during the 1980s, its dominance has diminished to the point that it accounted for just 1% of gambling revenue in 2025.
While modest in size, it still represents around 11 billion rand in revenue each year, out of a total market of 1.5 trillion rand.
Industry insiders cite issues attracting younger audiences to horse racing due to the culture of instant gratification in the tech-led era we live in. However, modern South African online betting platforms like BetOlimp continue to support horse racing, alongside a range of other gaming options. So, as casino platforms like this build momentum in South Africa, hopefully this will provide adequate support for the sport for decades to come.
The Global Contrast
Worldwide, the horse racing market exceeded $419 billion in 2025, and moreover is growing 8.6% annually. North America accounts for the largest share of revenue, though other regions, including Asia-Pacific, also show strong gains.
So, on the surface, the sport seems healthier in places outside South Africa. This is partly down to the popularity driven by major race events, like the Grand National in the UK and the Kentucky Derby in the US.
Despite projected global growth, cracks are appearing in places where horse racing was once on firmer ground. For instance, the British Horse Racing Authority reported on turnover dropping by around 12% in Q3 2025 compared with the same period in 2023. Here, blame is placed on an exodus of high-stakes bettors, with an uptick in smaller, casual bets not making up the shortfall.
The Long View
Access to betting opportunities of all types should lead to the long-term viability of horse racing, both in South Africa and in other parts of the world where it’s available. And at a time where the popularity of any pastime can balloon depending on viral trends, it’s unwise to discount the possibility of Gen Z suddenly cottoning onto the opportunities it represents.
Likewise, online gambling’s legalisation and regulation in more and more regions make it even more likely that horse racing will remain popular as part of a wider betting market. It’s all part of a cycle in which ongoing investment and an interest in new talent joining the breeding and racing side of the equation will be easier to justify.
