With the improved mobile technology, penetration of internet services, and young minds and tech-savvy citizens, the betting industry in Africa has undergone a monumental change in the last decade. Sports betting, especially, has become a multi-billion-dollar industry on the continent, with the most attractive game being football. Although this has been developing in almost all African countries, five particular countries have grown so well in terms of infrastructure, controlled market, and the sheer number of people engaging in it. The top five most advanced betting countries in Africa by the year 2025 are as illustrated below.
5. Tanzania: Mobile-First Model of East Africa
Early regulation and a mobile-first approach have made the betting industry in Tanzania rather popular. Since 2003, the Gaming Board of Tanzania has had tight control, enabling the market to achieve an annual revenue of approximately USD 150 million. Making bets through mobile phones has been facilitated by such platforms as M-Pesa, and about 90 percent of the bets are made through mobile phones. The case study is a classic example of how mobile innovation can be used to promote the growth of betting in emerging economies, since more than 70 percent of youths are into betting in the country.
4. Ghana: A Controlled and Growing Economy
Ghana has developed a strong reputation for regulatory clarity and a market-stable betting environment. The country is also well set to expand its industry due to more than 30 licensed sportsbooks and a digital wallet system, such as MTN Mobile Money and others. Penetration among the youth is about 73% because of mobile reach and product-oriented marketing by the domestic and foreign players. It is estimated that the industry will earn more than USD 57 million by the year 2024.
3. Nigeria: A Giant and a Great Market Potential
The country of Nigeria has one of the highest betting communities in Africa, and its active user base counts more than 60 million people, whereas the market is estimated to be at around USD 2 billion. Most of the customers are young, obsessed fans of football who bet online or via local agents. The regulatory environment is state-based, but cities such as Lagos have done a great deal to standardize licensing and other compliance requirements. The developed sports culture and the inherent promotions caused by the influences of creeping promoters also boost the blistering betting in the country.
2. Kenya: East African Capital of Mobile Betting
Kenya is amongst the most passionate betting markets in Africa, especially amongst the young ones. It is estimated to be worth about USD 1.8 billion annually, and more than 80 percent of young people are said to be involved in the betting process. Kenya has a mobile-first environment due to the popularity of M-Pesa and high smartphone penetration, which is more than 80%. One of the reasons behind the departure of a few of the foreign operators is that they were heavily taxed by the authorities, but the local betting arena remains vibrant in the presence of the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
1. South Africa: A Controlled Juggernaut
With a well-organized regulatory environment and strong consumer expenditure, South Africa still claims the lion’s share in the African betting market. Online betting in the country rose to almost USD 1 billion by the year 2024, which is a significant contribution to the country’s betting income. The sector is controlled by the provinces separately, and online sports betting and horse racing are the only two permitted activities; hence, regulation and consumer protection. In a mature market environment, major players enjoy the advantage of having more than 70 per cent of internet access. Users have access to a list of the best online bookies that are accessed, most commonly on mobile devices, as apps.
A cursory look at the betting industry in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania gives an idea of the universal nature and vigor of this business in Africa. The depth of the regulation in South Africa, the incorporation of mobile in Kenya, and the size of Nigeria are unique growth models of every country. With the transformation of technology and increasing perfection of the regulation mechanisms in different countries, the betting industry on the continent is likely to grow further, and these changes present opportunities and challenges that the stakeholders should carefully undertake.
https://www.africanexponent.com/africas-betting-powerhouses-top-5-countries-leading-the-industry-in-2025/
