Industry overview
The betting industry in Africa spans a broad range of activities, from traditional brick-and-mortar casinos and betting shops to a rapidly evolving ecosystem of online sports betting, virtual games, and lottery platforms. As of mid-2025, Africa was home to over 440 million sports bettors, driven by Africa’s youthful demographics, accelerating smartphone adoption, and increasing mobile-first internet access. Mobile money platforms, such as M-Pesa in Kenya and Opay in Nigeria, underpin this digital shift, transforming sports betting into both accessible entertainment and informal economic activity. While physical betting operations remain present in some urban areas, the industry’s centre of gravity has clearly shifted toward digital platforms. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana are emerging as key hubs, driven by a combination of large youth populations, regulatory developments, and expanding digital payment ecosystems. However, the next chapter of the industry will be shaped by growing regulatory scrutiny, increasing concerns
