Soccer betting is more than a game for young Africans. It’s a lifeline for developing essential skills

The popularity of soccer betting across African countries

In many African countries, betting on soccer matches is a widely enjoyed activity. According to a 2024 report by GeoPoll, “76.16% of respondents from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria had gambled or placed bets, and soccer was by far the most popular sport to bet on.”

The bulk of bettors come from the younger male demographic, aged 16 to 34, who participate in soccer betting as both a form of entertainment and an income-generating activity.

While many discussions around sports betting focus on its negative aspects, such as “the risk of gambling addiction and becoming involved in money laundering,” new research from Zimbabwe points to some surprising benefits.

This research examined how young men in urban areas have turned to soccer betting as a way to cope with unemployment and even generate an income.

How soccer betting fills the gap left by unemployment?

In many African nations, young people experience a lengthy period between finishing their education and finding stable employment. During this “waithood,” they engage in various informal activities, with soccer betting being one of them.

As one study participant remarked: “To be a successful punter, you must have some digital and internet skills. You should know how and where to get information quickly.”

Digital skills acquired through betting

The study highlighted that betting requires bettors to stay informed about soccer leagues, teams, and players. This involves research into “match fixture dates and times, team/player performance, injuries, and potential line-ups,” all of which must be accessed through online platforms. Bettors are using their smartphones, tablets, and laptops to gather this information, while also learning to navigate the digital world.

One participant explained: “Before joining soccer betting, I was unable to use the internet. However, I realised that to successfully bet, I should have up-to-date information, and this forced me to learn how to use the internet. Now I am a pro and I also use the internet for other purposes in addition to betting.”

Collaboration and skill-building

Bettors do not work in isolation. They often collaborate by sharing ideas and research findings through social media, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook. Many “divide research tasks and give each other feedback in real time,” which further helps them hone their skills and stay updated on the latest soccer developments.

Contrary to perceptions that this time spent on betting is wasted, the research suggests otherwise. Young people use this period to acquire digital skills that are useful in other areas of life, including job searches. As the research concludes, “what outsiders might view as wasted time is actually being used productively to prepare for the future.”