iGaming expansion to Africa: The economic growth of an emerging market
Predictably, in poor countries, the most successful businesses are those selling promises. Today we are taking a look at how iGaming expands to Africa and what effects this phenomenon has on the growth of the economy in that region.
Mobile Devices Are The Engine of Growth
The reason for why Africa is such a promising market for iGaming to flourish in is its youthful population. According to the
Considering that more than 650 million Africans have a mobile phone with access to the internet and banking systems, it creates the proper environment for the seed if iGaming to shoot. On top of that, the most popular and used banking method in Africa is M-Pesa, a mobile phone-based money transfer service Africans use in their day-to-day lives.
So, you have more than 650 million phone users who are able to transfer money, most of them being under the age of 25. According to experts at
If you mix this prosper environment with the cultural context of betting in Africa, you have yourself millions of users switching from physical sports wagering and lotteries to digital betting. Therefore, both young and older Africans are potential customers for international casinos to monetize on.
Regulatory Landscape: Challenges Have Become Objectives
It is clear that there is an interest for the African market. Historically, African have been betting on sports since the 18th century. They love to wager on football, rugby, cricket, horse racing and golf. Enjoying a game with a couple of betting odds on the side is nothing but normality in all African regions.
However, while governments see the opportunity of iGaming taxation, there are still some regions where certain betting activities are forbidden. African iGaming regulation happens as we speak, so let's talk about what are the challenges operators face in Africa.
The internet is not great(yet):
Most smartphones African users have are still operating with 2G or 3G, maybe 4G networks which does not help the loading speed at all. Operators have to make huge efforts when optimizing their platforms to make the betting experience enjoyable.
Casinos are not stadiums:
Africans may be in love with placing wagers on sports, and this may trick you into thinking that casino games, virtual sports or live table games would also be a success. Well, think twice because sports wagering has strong cultural roots while digital gambling and casino activities tend to be seen in a bad light.
Different countries, different regulations:
● Nigeria: Sports betting and lotteries are legal, while other forms of classic gambling like roulette and dice games remain prohibited.
● Kenya: Implemented the Gaming Bill of 2019, legalizing online gambling. However, fluctuating tax policies have created uncertainties for operators.
● South Africa: Online gambling is regulated at the provincial level, with online sports betting permitted in certain regions. However, online casinos remain illegal under national law.
● Ethiopia: The market is regulated through the Ethiopian National Lottery Administration, but in present times.
● Tanzania: The Gaming Board of Tanzania regulates the iGaming environment in this region where the majority of the population is interested in sport betting.
● Ghana: The Ghana Gaming Commission is enjoying a 68.2% internet penetration where football, basketball, tennis, boxing and ice hockey are always in the spotlight for betting.
As a side note, Kenya increased its betting tax from 12.5% to 15% under the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024. Also, both Ethiopia and Tanzania are still in their early stages of developing their infrastructure for internet adoption.
The Future of iGaming in Africa
What are we looking at is an industry sector that is about to explode and prove that no matter the geographic location, if there is an audience, there is revenue. According to
To put it into perspective, the iGaming market in Europe reached US$164 billion in 2025. However, the African population measures a little over 1.5 billion individuals, while in Europe there are currently more than 750 million individuals. Remember that Africa has 650 million mobile phone users. We expect this market to reach impressive numbers sooner rather than later.
Bonus Facts
To conclude this small preview of the African iGaming market, here are a few bonus facts that we believe are participating in the growth of this industry in the region of Africa:
● Africa is still in the early stages of 5G network adoption.
● iGaming sponsors start to get involved in the sports tournaments and community fundraising projects.
● Live casino and poker are emerging trends that are still in that stage where the population is experimenting with them.
● The African iGaming market is a true A/B testing ground for responsible gambling strategy development, and we should not lose sight of how regulatory bodies manage to maintain the industry within healthy standards.
What to Expect?
Expect more brands to join the African market. Honestly, what we are most excited about is to see what new games and types of gamification will emerge, considering African players' tastes in lotteries. What do you think the next big trend will be if the African market begins its ascension?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mail & Guardian
2 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Africa must avoid ‘resource curse' in green minerals boom
In 2020, a World Bank report forecast that there will be a 500% increase in demand for minerals such as graphite, lithium (above) and cobalt by 2050 to meet the needs of the global transition. The past patterns of mineral extractivism in Africa must be avoided in the mining and processing of the This includes the It says 'The extraction of these green minerals should not serve the interests of the Global North — the market — while Africa pays the externalities price.' The issue of the sustainable development of a transition minerals industry could not be more pertinent as South Africa prepares to Transition minerals are essential for many clean energy technologies and their associated infrastructure such as wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles. In 2020, a World Bank report Many of these minerals are found in developing countries, among them South Africa, the WWF-SA said, urging the need to meet this growing demand with 'the smallest possible carbon footprint, while safeguarding the environment and people'. The best way to do this is to minimise mining by creating circular economy industries, which include reclaiming these minerals from In June, the department of minerals and petroleum resources published its Global South key to transition Most transition mineral ores are found in the Global South, China and Australia and certain African countries are already suppliers. South Africa dominates with platinum-group metals mining and reserves while the Democratic Republic of the Congo has significant cobalt mining and reserves and a large share of copper. Morocco has phosphate, Guinea has bauxite, Gabon has manganese while Mozambique has titanium and graphite. 'Demand for the minerals is mainly from the Global North and China, where production is located and where large middle-classes and industrial use drive consumption.' The 'For many African countries, export revenues from extractive industries (including oil and gas, artisanal and small-scale mining) are critical for the balance of payments, although job impacts vary,' according to the report. In South Africa, the mining and minerals sectors employ more than 474 000 workers, such as in the platinum-group metals (181 000), gold (98 000) and coal (95 000) subsectors. Rising risks Sustainability ambitions will be challenged by the mining of transition minerals, bringing increased risks for human rights abuses, food insecurity and water contestation, the report said. About 60% of transition mineral projects globally are in food-insecure jurisdictions, 53% of projects are in high water risk locations and 43% of projects are in areas where there are risks to resource governance. 'The benefits of water production zones, high-yield agricultural land, carbon sinks and important biodiversity areas are necessary for strategic decision-making around land use choices to assess trade-offs and establish conditions under which mining is a 'no go',' it said. The natural functioning of the continent's key water-supplying areas should not be disrupted. 'Africa's water towers are high-altitude areas, which are the source of most major rivers. In South Africa, identified strategic water source areas provide over half of the country's surface water from just 8% of its land area,' the report said Water use is high during mining and can affect both surface water and groundwater resources. Many global transition mineral projects are in high water risk locations. Copper and Aquatic ecosystems are also often affected by mining. Post-mining can lead to 'In other regions, wetlands have been drained or fragmented, riparian vegetation stripped and hydrological flows permanently altered. This undermines the capacity of rivers to support biodiversity, regulate floods or provide clean water for local communities and into water supply infrastructure,' the report said. In some cases agricultural development can be better for local direct benefits than mining, because it is more effective at reducing poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. In Zambia, certain agricultural products were found to have high levels of metals in them, from farming operations close to copper and cobalt mines. Carbon sinks The global goal of reaching net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by mid-century relies heavily on maintaining land and ocean sinks. 'Soil disruption and deforestation from mining impact the ability of these sinks to remove carbon from the air, plus this releases carbon stored in soils, plants and natural systems,' the report noted. Many people depend directly upon local biodiversity for food, medicines and fuel. Furthermore, most of the world's most vulnerable biodiversity is not under legal protection and is potentially exposed to mining development and other human land uses. 'Deforestation impacts from mining over the past 20 years are highly concentrated, with almost 84% of total direct mining-related deforestation taking place in only 10 countries and 63% occurring since 2010,' the report said. The increase in the extraction of transition minerals will bring new problems For example, bauxite-linked deforestation accounts for 8% of direct mining-related deforestation, occurring mostly in Australia (50%), Brazil (16%), Ghana (15%) and Indonesia (14%). Iron ore and copper account for 7% and 4% of direct mining-related deforestation, respectively. Together, manganese, nickel, zinc, silver, platinum, cobalt, palladium, lead, U308 and molybdenum contribute 11% of direct mining-related deforestation. The report noted that 69% of transition minerals mining projects are on or near land that qualifies as indigenous peoples' or peasant land, with Africa having the highest proportion (33%) of such projects. In Zimbabwe, people living near a lithium mine were allegedly offered US$1 900 to relocate or face eviction without compensation. The agriculture and food security of those people near a lithium project in Ghana have been harmed and they had limited financial compensation. 'Local and indigenous communities must be supported as custodians of the land with Free, Prior and Informed Consent, along with equitable benefit-sharing and protection of human rights,' the report noted. 'Their access to economic resources and options, as well as land tenure, among other resources and levers, must be supported.' It said major demand countries could set the standard by requiring that countries supplying transition minerals follow social and environmental sustainability requirements. 'Building international cooperation between Global South countries can help to cement a fairer and more sustainable deal for the future of transition minerals mining. 'Similarly, it will be necessary to align the interests of those countries that require the minerals and the corporate and other interests that operate in this space, with the needs of resource-endowed countries.' This is not a simple task but it can be enabled by stronger regulations and institutions, effective decision-making tools and accountability measures, the report recommended, adding that fair finance must underpin this. African countries are losing between $470 million and $730 million a year in corporate income tax on average from multinational enterprise tax avoidance. 'South Africa, under the auspices of the G20, and together with other G20 members, can redefine what sustainable growth looks like: not just in megatonnes of minerals extracted and export earnings, but in terms of water secured, livelihoods sustained, human rights upheld and ecosystems maintained or restored,' the report said. Among the report's six key recommendations are to create circular economies for transition minerals to build out new industries and jobs, and minimise the need for destructive virgin mining and mandate strategic land-use decision-making at a national level. This is to establish the relative benefits of different land uses and possibly 'no-go areas' for mining, prior to a mining project's conception and impact assessments. The report said countries can adopt and implement legislation and action plans on work in mining, and strengthen institutions, including enforcement agencies, relating to the eradication of child labour, human trafficking and modern slavery and to improve worker rights. It said prospecting permits and mining licences must only be granted if the business case for the mine indicates sufficient funds for sustainability practices in operations, for both rehabilitation and offsets to compensate for residual negative impacts. The report further recommended the establishment of a global framework and mechanisms for traceability, transparency and accountability in the mining and processing of transition minerals.
Mail & Guardian
6 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Betway Cares Foundation: The heart behind the brand
From sports fields and classrooms, to remote villages and urban Johannesburg, Betway is making a lasting impact across South Africa and beyond. Through its foundation, Betway empowers communities with resources, opportunities and support. This article explores the initiatives and partnerships behind the brand's commitment to building a brighter future. At Betway, giving back isn't a side project – it's part of who we are. Through the Betway Cares Foundation, we've made it our mission to uplift communities, empower individuals and create real, lasting change across South Africa and the African continent. Whether it's through sport development, education, healthcare or grassroots initiatives, the Betway Cares Foundation is driven by one simple belief: that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that responsible gaming is the foundation of a sustainable and ethical entertainment industry. But our responsibility doesn't stop at the screen. As one of South Africa's leading licensed gaming operators, we're deeply committed to the wellbeing of our players, our communities and the broader South Africa economy. That means investing in tools that keep players safe and giving back in ways that help the nation thrive, beyond the screen and from the ground up. A bold vision of sustainable support The Betway Cares Foundation core pillars include education, health, sport development, community upliftment, and the creative and cultural industries. Community is at the heart of the Foundation's mission, and why so many projects focus on communities, teams and village centres. There are parts of South Africa, and the continent, in dire need of support and relief, and that's where the Foundation comes in. Some of the Betway Cares Foundation's biggest projects to date include a groundbreaking partnership with Khaltsa Cycles; a donation to the Mitchell's Plain Music Academy that was music to that community's ears; a brand-new set of wheels for Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu, a dynamic NGO based in Johannesburg's Alexandra Township, whose inspiring work is shaping a better future for thousands; and three water projects that deliver fresh, potable water to far-flung villages across Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal. From learnership programmes for young girls and a coaching academy for former sports stars to share their skills, to soccer kits for underprivileged kids and supporting grassroots initiatives like a revitalised car wash in Meadowlands, Soweto, the Foundation is working hard at becoming a force for good in South Africa and beyond. A case study in caring In the years since its inception, the Betway Cares Foundation has dedicated support and resources to community upliftment. Some of the communities that have directly benefited from the Foundation's work include Alexandra Township in Gauteng (Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu), Mitchell's Plain (the Mitchell's Plain Music Academy), Khayelitsha (Khaltsa Cycles), Matshemhlophe village in Kwazulu-Natal (one of three water projects), and the Clara Bagdadi village outside of Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga (a second water project). Over 8,000 residents in two remote villages now have access to clean, safe and convenient drinking water. These projects, which we will expand on in the coming weeks, and the other good work Betway Cares does across South Africa and the rest of the continent is a reminder that real impact happens when purpose meets action. As we continue to grow our footprint across South Africa and the continent, we remained committed to building up communities, unlocking potential and lighting the way for a bright, more inclusive future.
The Herald
a day ago
- The Herald
Meet IRIS, South Africa's first AI teaching robot to boost learning in classrooms
Gumede, who has won international awards for digital innovation and was crowned Miss Tech Universe 2024-2025 in Thailand, stated that she aimed for IRIS to reach every classroom by the end of October. 'IRIS does not belong to me. It belongs to everyone of us in South Africa, and that is the reason we need partnerships to be able to do that,' she said. She stressed that the robot would not replace teachers but rather strengthen the classroom experience. 'IRIS will enhance learning and teaching in South Africa, and help to close the educational gaps in the country, particularly in maths, science and technology.' Gina urged women and young people to take advantage of government funding for innovation. 'Women must lead in shaping the future of science, innovation and fields like AI. These are the skills that will drive tomorrow's economy, and they require contributions from both men and women.' The launch featured a live demonstration, where pupils put the robot to the test. Suhani Singh, a pupil at Reddam House Ballito, asked IRIS to explain the depreciation method in accounting. To the amusement of the audience, the robot not only broke down the concept but also illustrated it with examples. Education officials emphasised that teachers would be trained to work alongside the technology. 'Technology is not here to replace teachers, but rather innovations like IRIS will be part and parcel of the future of teaching and learning,' said Mbongiseni Mazibuko, deputy director-general for curriculum management and delivery at the provincial department of education. 'While it will be some time before IRIS can reach every classroom in South Africa, the innovation demonstrates how youth, with the proper support, can contribute to the country's growth and development,' said the department. TimesLIVE
