Slotegrator Spotlights Betting Trends Across Africa

Africa’s iGaming Sector Shows Strong Momentum

Africa’s betting industry is expanding rapidly. This growth comes from mobile broadband access, economic development, and regulatory progress. The market is projected to reach $17.63 billion in 2025 and grow at a 4.23% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) through 2029. As a result, operators are increasingly turning their attention to Africa.

Across the continent, sports betting leads the market. Football, in particular, draws millions of bettors. Mobile technology plays a key role, making betting platforms more accessible and widely used.

South Africa and Nigeria At the Top

South Africa is Africa’s most developed iGaming market. In the 2023–24 financial year, online gambling revenue reached ZAR 59.3 billion (€3.07 billion), growing 25.7% from the previous year. Sports betting generated ZAR 35.91 billion, and online platforms contributed nearly ZAR 29 billion. This growth shows South Africa’s digital maturity. The dominance of online betting signals a clear shift away from traditional retail channels.

With a population exceeding 220 million, Nigeria ranks second in market size. Approximately 60 million Nigerians bet daily, and the country is expected to produce $3.63 billion in gambling revenue by the end of 2025. High mobile engagement and a strong betting culture contribute to its continued upward trajectory.

Kenya and Tanzania Showcase Mobile-First Engagement

Kenya is notable for its extremely high betting participation rate—83.9% of adults have placed a wager. The market is clearly mobile-first, with 88% of bettors using smartphones and 55% placing bets weekly. Football dominates, with 63.8% of users focused on match betting.

Tanzania demonstrates a low-stakes, high-volume approach. About 71% of respondents said they bet, with 31% doing so daily. Online sports betting is expected to reach $9.8 million in 2025 and grow to nearly $15 million by 2029. Mobile money tools like M-Pesa play a major role in this growth.

Ghana and Uganda Sustain Momentum

Ghana’s online gambling sector is expected to reach $57.42 million by the end of 2024. Football betting accounts for 76.53% of wagers, while 70% of bets happen on mobile platforms. This mobile focus mirrors trends seen across the continent.

In Uganda, the participation rate stands at 71.43%, and national betting turnover reached USh 2.1 trillion in the first half of 2023. Gaming tax revenues totaled USh 151 billion over the year, signaling both consumer activity and government oversight.

Infrastructure, Regulation, and Payments Shape the Future

Ataur Abeer, Sales Manager at Slotegrator, said:

“With Africa emerging as a global betting powerhouse, operators looking to enter these markets must tailor their strategies to local conditions. This includes investing in mobile-friendly platforms, ensuring compliance with country-specific regulations, and leveraging localized payment methods.”

Slotegrator identifies four key trends shaping Africa’s iGaming expansion:

• Mobile dominance: Smartphones have outpaced traditional broadband. Most users now prefer mobile betting.

• Regulatory evolution: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are introducing safer, more transparent regulations.

• Rising middle class: More people now have disposable income. Interest in digital entertainment is growing.

• Localized payment methods: Mobile money services like M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa simplify transactions.