Online Gambling in Africa: Future, Trends, and Growth Opportunities
According to the report by Slotegrator on the state of online gambling in Africa, the continent, with a population of 1.3 billion people, is rapidly becoming one of the most promising regions for the iGaming business.
The expected market volume by 2025 is $17.63 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.23% until 2029.
In this context, we will explore the characteristics and prospects of online gambling in Africa, as well as the impact of mobile connectivity and internet access on the development of the industry.
Main Trends and Market Growth Dynamics
Africa is becoming one of the leaders in online gambling due to high public engagement and rapid growth in mobile connectivity.
By 2025, the online gambling market on the continent will be valued at $17.63 billion, and its growth will continue at a rate of 4.23% annually until 2029.
This is especially true for sports betting, where the football sector holds a dominant position.
Additionally, bets are often placed via mobile devices, emphasizing the importance of mobile betting for the African market.
Market Leaders
- South Africa: the largest gambling market in Africa. In 2024, online betting revenues in South Africa will reach $1.57 billion.
- Nigeria: the forecasted revenue in 2025 is $3.63 billion. Over 60 million people place bets every day, making Nigeria a key player in the African market.
- Kenya: 83.9% of the adult population participates in betting, with a projected market value of $130.9 million by 2029.
- Tanzania: despite a smaller market size, online betting in Tanzania is projected to reach $9.8 million by 2025.
Mobile Betting as the Main Growth Driver
One of the key features of the African market is the high level of mobile activity.
For example, in Kenya and Nigeria, mobile access is prevalent, while in Tanzania and Ghana, most bets are placed via smartphones. This is explained not only by the availability of mobile devices but also by limited internet access in several countries.
In South Africa and Nigeria, for instance, mobile penetration rates are high — 167 and 103 mobile subscribers per 100 people, respectively.
Major mobile payment systems such as M-Pesa have become an integral part of the ecosystem. In these countries, the convenience of mobile payments makes gambling accessible to a wide range of the population, stimulating the growth of online betting.
Regulation and Legal Framework
The development of the gambling industry in Africa is accompanied by a number of legislative barriers. In some countries, such as South Africa, online casinos are banned, and bets can only be placed through licensed land-based bookmakers.
In other countries, such as Uganda, the regulation of the market is actively discussed, which also helps strengthen the legitimacy and attractiveness of the business.
At the same time, in many countries, such as Ghana and Kenya, gambling is actively regulated, providing operators with a chance to operate in a steadily developing legal environment.
Local Features and Requirements
- Localization: adapting platforms to local languages, currencies, and user preferences.
- Technical Requirements: simple interfaces and optimization for use on older devices and with unstable internet connections.
- Advertising: traditional advertising through TV, radio, and street banners works more effectively than digital formats.
Additionally, mobile payments and innovative solutions like Telegram Casino are becoming important elements for attracting users.
Market Prospects and Future
The future of online gambling in Africa looks promising.
It is expected that as internet and mobile device penetration increases, the market will continue to expand. Economic growth and a growing middle class create favorable conditions for investors.
Moreover, considering the youth audience, further growth in the popularity of sports betting and mobile gambling platforms can be predicted.