Betting in Africa 2025: Trends and Changes in Betting Participation
New 2025 GeoPoll Study, covering nearly 4,200 respondents from six African countries, shows significant changes in player behavior compared to previous years.
Study Overview and Methodology
GeoPoll conducted a study covering Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This study is a continuation of a similar report from 2024, allowing for a direct comparison of data and identification of changes in player behavior.
The sample consisted of 65% men and 35% women, with respondents aged 18 to 34, reflecting the youth-oriented nature of African betting.
Key Trends and Changes
One of the most noticeable changes in 2025 is the shift in the leaders of betting engagement levels. South Africa now holds the top position, surpassing Kenya, which previously held this spot.
In 2025, South Africa recorded an engagement rate of 90%, significantly higher than the 74% recorded in 2024. Uganda also showed significant growth, reaching 87% compared to 71% last year.
According to the report, football remains the most popular among respondents, being the primary sport for betting. 61% of participants bet on football matches. At the same time, there is a growing popularity of the game Aviator, with 19% of players betting on this format.
Betting Frequency and Player Preferences
Among those who bet, 35% do so once a week, and 14% bet daily. 9% of respondents reported placing bets several times a day. This shows that for most players, betting has become part of daily life.
Mobile Betting: The Revolution with Smartphones
Mobile devices play a key role in changing betting habits. According to the study, 91% of respondents place bets via mobile devices.
This is due to the high accessibility of smartphones, improved mobile internet services, and the convenience of using mobile betting apps.
Mobile betting has become an important factor influencing how people interact with gambling.
Player Financial Spending
How much do players spend on betting? The analysis showed that 50% of players from Ghana spend less than $10 per month, while 16% spend more than $100 monthly. In Kenya, 57% of players spend less than $10, and 6% spend between $100 and $500.
Other countries show similar trends, where the majority of respondents place small bets, but some are willing to spend larger sums.
Table: Average Monthly Betting Expenditures by Country
| Country | Less than $10 | $10–$25 | $25–$50 | $50–$100 | $100+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | 50% | 22% | 5% | 11% | 11% |
| Kenya | 57% | 28% | 3% | 6% | 3% |
| Nigeria | 58% | 28% | 13% | — | — |
| South Africa | 45% | 33% | 11% | 11% | — |
| Tanzania | 93% | — | — | — | 7% |
| Uganda | 38% | 46% | 8% | 8% | — |
What the Study Shows About the Future of Betting in Africa
The study demonstrates that betting in Africa continues to evolve, especially with the growth of mobile technologies and changing financial habits among players.
In 2025, sports betting, especially football, remains dominant, but interest in new formats like Aviator continues to grow.
Conclusion
Based on the study’s findings, it can be concluded that there is significant growth in interest in betting in Africa, with a gradual shift toward mobile platforms and alternative types of betting, such as Aviator.
The future of betting in the region will likely be shaped by further technological developments and changing social and economic trends.