Few matters are more subjected to a variety of opinions and perceptions than gambling. This is particularly true in South Africa where gambling, which was legalized in 1994, is often accused of having a negative impact on household welfare levels and retail sector activities. This article looks at South Africans' opinions on questions involving participation in gambling, gambling expenditure and views on gambling. A national survey among a sample of 2050 respondents reveals that gambling is popular and acceptable. The propensity to gamble is calculated at close to 2% and displacement is effected from a variety of items. These range from household necessities to savings. The volatility of the South African gambling market is expected to continue for a number of years, thus a follow-up study would allow detection of new trends in a more mature market.