The Africa online gambling market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.60% between 2025 and 2034. The market is being aided by growing smartphone and internet penetration in the region.
The integration of 4G and 5G technologies is profoundly influencing the market by improving connectivity, enhancing user experience, and increasing accessibility. In 2022, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 980 million mobile subscriptions, with nearly 22% utilising 4G technology. Projections indicate that by 2030, this percentage will rise to 66% of mobile subscribers being connected to either 4G or 5G networks. According to Ericsson, the total number of mobile subscriptions (SIM connections) in the region is anticipated to grow to 1.13 billion by 2029, an increase from 900 million in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of 3%.
Both 4G and 5G technologies provide significantly enhanced data transfer speeds, facilitating smoother gameplay, expedited betting processes, and real-time updates. This advancement is especially advantageous for live betting and online casino games, where a seamless experience is essential for maintaining user engagement.
As countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa experience growth in their economies, there is a corresponding rise in disposable income among the population. This increase in financial resources allows individuals to allocate more funds towards recreational activities, including online gambling. The cultural acceptance of gambling, combined with the allure of potential financial gains, further encourages participation in mobile betting. Additionally, the rise of social media and digital marketing strategies has played a pivotal role in promoting mobile gambling platforms. Operators are leveraging these channels to reach a wider audience, offering enticing promotions and bonuses that appeal to new users.
Africa Online Gambling Market Growth
It is projected that mobile phone penetration in Africa will attain 88% by 2030. Additionally, according to GSMA data on the Mobile Economy 2023 in Sub-Saharan Africa, smartphone adoption reached 51% in 2023. The increasing ownership of smartphones, particularly in nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, is driving the expansion of mobile gambling, as users can conveniently engage in online betting via mobile applications. As smartphones become more affordable and internet access becomes more prevalent, a greater segment of the population is able to participate in online gambling from virtually any location at any time, thus making it highly accessible to individuals who may lack access to computers or traditional betting venues.The integration of 4G and 5G technologies is profoundly influencing the market by improving connectivity, enhancing user experience, and increasing accessibility. In 2022, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 980 million mobile subscriptions, with nearly 22% utilising 4G technology. Projections indicate that by 2030, this percentage will rise to 66% of mobile subscribers being connected to either 4G or 5G networks. According to Ericsson, the total number of mobile subscriptions (SIM connections) in the region is anticipated to grow to 1.13 billion by 2029, an increase from 900 million in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of 3%.
Both 4G and 5G technologies provide significantly enhanced data transfer speeds, facilitating smoother gameplay, expedited betting processes, and real-time updates. This advancement is especially advantageous for live betting and online casino games, where a seamless experience is essential for maintaining user engagement.
Key Trends and Developments
Increased internet penetration, rising smartphone adoption, growing disposable income, the growing popularity of sports betting, the influence of international operators, and technological advancements are the major trends impacting the Africa online gambling market growth.Nov 2023
PawaPass, a prominent regulatory technology platform, partnered with Mchezo, the proprietor of the African online gaming brand betPawa, to allocate $2 million worth of shares to betPawa customers.Aug 2024
1BetGames, a prominent games provider, successfully launched a wide array of its acclaimed product offerings in collaboration with the global sportsbook and gaming operator, 10bet. This partnership enhances the variety of premium gaming experiences available to players in South Africa.Increased Internet Penetration
Growing internet access across the continent, particularly with the expansion of mobile broadband, is making online gambling more accessible to a larger population.Rising Smartphone Adoption
The increasing smartphone ownership, particularly in nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, is driving the expansion of mobile gambling, enabling users to conveniently engage in online betting via mobile applications.Growing Disposable Incomes
The rapid economic expansion in significant areas, along with a rise in disposable income, is resulting in heightened expenditure on leisure pursuits, such as online gambling.The Growing Popularity of Sports Betting
The immense enthusiasm for sports, especially football, has contributed to the swift increase of sports betting across Africa, thereby facilitating the growth of online gambling platforms.Technological Advancements
Advancements in digital payment technologies, such as mobile money and electronic wallets, are facilitating more straightforward processes for users to deposit and withdraw funds, thereby improving the convenience of online gambling.Influence of International Operators
The expansion of international online gambling firms into the African market is fostering growth within the sector by offering enhanced platforms, a wider variety of games, and more appealing incentives for users.As countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa experience growth in their economies, there is a corresponding rise in disposable income among the population. This increase in financial resources allows individuals to allocate more funds towards recreational activities, including online gambling. The cultural acceptance of gambling, combined with the allure of potential financial gains, further encourages participation in mobile betting. Additionally, the rise of social media and digital marketing strategies has played a pivotal role in promoting mobile gambling platforms. Operators are leveraging these channels to reach a wider audience, offering enticing promotions and bonuses that appeal to new users.
Africa Online Gambling Industry Segmentation
Africa Online Gambling Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:Market Breakup by Type:
- Sports Betting
- Casinos
- Poker
- Lottery
- Other
Market Breakup by Device:
- Desktop
- Mobile
Market Breakup by Country:
- Zambia
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Ghana
- Uganda
- Others
Africa Online Gambling Market Share
Based on the device, the market is segmented into desktop and mobile. The mobile segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. The adoption of mobile devices for online gambling has surged significantly in recent years, propelled by technological innovations and evolving consumer preferences.Leading Companies in the Africa Online Gambling Market
Major players are focusing on facilitating improved user experience to gain a competitive edge in the market.- KC Gaming Networks Limited
- Caecus N.V.
- SV Gaming Limited
- NairaBET
- Shop and Deliver Limited
- Mchezo Limited
- EU Lotto Ltd.
- Africabet International BV
- Others
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
3 Economic Summary
4 Country Risk Profiles
5 Global Online Gambling Market Overview
6 Africa Online Gambling Market Overview
7 Africa Online Gambling Market by Type
8 Africa Online Gambling Market by Device
9 Africa Online Gambling Market by Country
10 Market Dynamics
14 Competitive Landscape
Companies Mentioned
- KC Gaming Networks Limited
- Caecus N.V.
- SV Gaming Limited
- Naira BET
- Shop and Deliver Limited
- Mchezo Limited
- EU Lotto Ltd.
- Africabet International BV