South Africa and Nigeria are the leading countries in the African betting market, outpacing other nations.
The sports betting landscape in Africa is expansive, with a large base of dedicated users spending significant amounts across various platforms—both online and offline. The industry has transformed remarkably, evolving from traditional betting shops to a plethora of online betting options, largely fueled by the continent’s increasing internet adoption. According to DataBridge Market Research, mobile devices accounted for approximately 70% of online betting revenue in 2020, underscoring the substantial impact of internet-enabled technology on the betting sector. African Sports Betting
With a population exceeding 1.3 billion, Africa presents a prime opportunity for investment in the betting market. Statista indicates that the online gambling market in Africa is projected to reach $1.85 billion by the end of 2024, with an anticipated annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.28% from 2024 to 2028.
Currently, South Africa and Nigeria dominate the continent’s betting market share, with other nations trailing in their wake. The African betting industry can be analyzed by examining both the countries with the largest market shares and those with the highest number of gamblers. According to Slotegrator.com, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are the top gambling markets in Africa; however, this does not necessarily mean they have the highest number of sports bettors.
A survey conducted by GeoPoll in March 2024 across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda—using the GeoPoll mobile app—revealed interesting insights into the betting habits. The following table illustrates the percentage of respondents who participate in betting versus those who do not:
| Rank | Country | % YES | % NO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenya | 82.81 | 17.19 |
| 2 | South Africa | 73.94 | 26.06 |
| 3 | Ghana | 73.03 | 26.97 |
| 4 | Uganda | 71.43 | 28.57 |
| 5 | Tanzania | 71.13 | 28.87 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 65.32 | 34.68 |
Kenya emerged as the frontrunner, boasting the highest percentage of respondents who engage in betting, followed by South Africa and Ghana. The survey also indicated that football is the most popular betting sport, with over 76.53% of participants expressing a preference for it. Casino games trailed with 9.69%, while other sports constituted 5.14%.
Despite the substantial contributions of the betting industry to African economies, government officials have voiced concerns about its future. These concerns are predominantly centered around the potential impact on a predominantly young demographic and individuals with limited financial resources. Moreover, the rapid growth of the sports betting industry in Africa is accompanied by a rising trend in responsible gambling awareness. As more regions embrace the digital age and the popularity of online betting increases, there has been a concerted effort from both governments and private operators to promote safer betting practices among users. Initiatives such as educational campaigns about the risks of gambling addiction, the establishment of support systems for those struggling with gambling issues, and the implementation of self-exclusion programs are becoming increasingly common. These measures aim to ensure that while the betting industry continues to thrive, it does so in a way that prioritizes the well-being of its participants, fostering a sustainable environment that balances economic growth with social responsibility.
To address these issues, African nations are being urged to establish regulatory frameworks for the betting industry. This would require betting sites and retail operations to obtain appropriate licenses before commencing their business activities, thereby aiming to prevent exploitation or illegal practices that could jeopardize users’ livelihoods. African Sports Betting