Tune in for all the latest stats on the African gambling market worth a staggering $2.2b (€2b) and predicted to grow to $5.7b (€5.3b) by 2033! (Image courtesy of Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels )
It may surprise you to learn that the registered population of Africa is just over 1.2 billion people. If you compare that to India, a single country, the continent has a population of roughly 200 million fewer people. With that in mind, it also goes to show the potential of this market.
With India’s current online gambling economy currently worth an estimated $2.6 billion (€2.4 billion), the two are not far off one another. As per our ‘India iGaming News Catch Up’ covering India’s iGaming Economy, 2027 estimates show it will be worth $6.7 billion (€6.2 billion) by 2026. Granted Africa and India are two very different economies but a great comparison for growth.
And here is that comparison…
The popular prediction right now is that there will be a year-on-year growth pattern of 12% for the next 10 years. With these figures in mind, Africa’s gambling economy should reach $3.22 billion by 2026, which in fact is under half India’s prediction. By 2026 That means in 5 years (2027) it should be worth $3.54 billion (€3.3 billion). Then by 2033, 10 years from now, it will be worth a staggering $5.7 billion (€5.3 billion).
African Gambling Sector Potential: Although sports betting is the most popular form of gambling in the continent, iGaming is growing in what is largely an untapped market with plenty of room for expansion.
Growth Factors Supporting African Gambling Market Revenue
Some of the growth factors include an increasing middle-class population providing greater financial dependence and high-speed 4G networks. On top of this, 65% of the population of the continent owns smartphones.
African cities are already powering high-speed internet connections, and communications infrastructure continues to improve. In countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe, 5G is already being implemented, while also Mauritius, Madagascar, Botswana, and Togo are also following suit.
This certainly helps in areas where broadband communications are still running on old tech. People in outer city areas where infrastructure is still not up to scratch can connect to 4G and 5G for connection speeds faster than their home Wi-Fi router.
African Gambling Growth Stats & Info
- 12% Year-on-Year 10-Year Increase
- 2027 African Gambling Market – $3.54b
- 2033 African Gambling Market – $5.7b
- Growing middle class in African nations
- 700m people have smartphone access
- Excellent 4G & 5G mobile connections
The Current Legality of Online Gambling in Africa
Africa is made up of 54 countries under the United Nations count. This makes things very different from India, so we can’t draw a comparison here.
Whereas India will eventually govern its 28 states and 8 union territories under one top-level government licence, Africa is more like the current US iGaming market in which each of the 50 states has an individual licence. Although in the US, federal laws still influence state laws. No such luck in Africa. Each country has its own licensing and laws.
Here are some of the most popularly targeted countries for online casinos right now:
- South Africa: A population of close to 60 million people and online gambling is now legal. There are several domestic licensing authorities such as the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) and the National Gambling Board (NGB). It is popular with English-language overseas casinos because of the large English-speaking population.
- Nigeria: Nigeria has a huge population of 200 million people. Online gambling is legal, and most people play at online casinos regulated by the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) or under the Curacao Master Licensing because most people in the country speak English. Nigeria’s gambling revenue accounts for 7% of the continent’s total revenue. One of the best options to enter the Nigerian market is via the SOFTSWISS platform, which comes with a service that will gain the casino the relevant Nigerian online betting licence.
- Tanzania: The country has a population of 63.59 million people in Tanzania, and it is a popular destination for casinos with English-language platforms. The most spoken languages here are Swahili and English. Having a platform in both languages would certainly help bring in members from the country. Casinos can also register with the domestic licensing authority – the Gaming Board of Tanzania.
- Kenya: Another popular destination for Curacao or MGA-licenced online casinos because a large number of the country’s 53.01 million people speak English, while the main language is Swahili. Once again, English/ Swahili casino platforms thrive in this country. Casinos can also apply for domestic licensing, which is with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
- Uganda: Another English/Swahili nation popularly targeted by casinos licenced overseas by the MGA or Curacao. Currently, the nation’s population comes in at just over 45 million people. Casinos can also obtain a domestic licence to operate via the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board or the National Gaming Board Uganda (NLGRBU).
Other English-Speaking African Nations: Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Ghana, Madagascar, Algeria, Morocco, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. Plus you can read about South African casinos here.
South African Casinos Accepting ZAR
- 888Starz
- Crocoslots
- GGBet
- GSlot
- Sol Casino
- Casino Buck
- Goodman
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