Africa’s gambling market is one of the biggest in the world, and current market data shows that by 2029, it could be worth around US$22 billion. With a vibrant tech ecosystem where the average person has access to the internet and mobile devices, online casinos and sports betting platforms are becoming very popular on the continent.

South Africa

Although gambling is growing across Africa, South Africa is leading in technology, earnings, and structure. Online casino gaming is not fully legal yet, but many licensed sites and international platforms have built a strong online gambling presence. South African players often visit some of the best casino sites based overseas, known for their wide range of games, easy use, and safe payment options. This active online market has helped the country stay ahead as Africa’s biggest gambling hub, making about $80 billion in revenue for 2024–2025.

Although sports betting dominates the country’s gambling industry, there are over 39 land-based casinos where gamblers can easily enter, play lotteries, bet on sports events, and watch horse races.

In South Africa, the National Gambling Board (NGB) and the 2004 National Gambling Act regulate the gambling industry. However, the 2004 National Gambling Act doesn’t regulate online casinos, but lawmakers are working to amend it.

In 2024, lawmakers introduced the Remote Gaming Act to the legislature. The bill explained how South Africa would legalize online gaming, issue licenses, and how much the government would gain in taxes. Although the bill has been welcomed by most of the population, it hasn’t been passed into law.

Nigeria 

With a customer base of about 60 million active gamblers, Nigeria is the second-largest gaming market in Africa. Although strict gambling regulations govern Nigeria, the country is home to numerous gambling apps.

Most Nigerian football fans support clubs in the European and Latin American leagues. The average Nigerian football fan bets on multiple teams across different leagues on the weekends or during games

The rise of the sports betting industry in Nigeria has been linked to the use of mobile phones and access to the internet. Betting is now easier for Nigerians as they can place bets from their mobile phones and even make deposits from their mobile bank accounts to their betting accounts. 

Nigeria's gambling industry is expected to bring in $3.1 billion by the end of 2025, and the current data shows that sports betting could account for a large portion of the revenue. Casino games will account for over $1.8 billion of that. 

Kenya

Like Nigerians, Kenyans are big football fans, and they are some of the most passionate sports betting fans in Africa. Kenyans bet on football leagues through mobile platforms and retail stores.

There are a few online casinos in Kenya, as the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has rolled out strict laws and tax reforms that have made it difficult for online casino operators to thrive. Instead, Kenyans now use mobile sports betting platforms to bet on sports competitions within and outside of Africa.

Kenya's gambling industry is projected to generate about $1.21 billion in revenue by the end of 2025, and by 2030, the revenue is expected to increase by 1.97% to $1.33 billion.

Ghana

With over 30 licensed sportsbooks in operation, Ghana sits among the top gambling markets in Africa. Ghana has a digital wallet system, which makes it easy for Ghanaians to place bets on different sports like football and basketball.

Ghana's casino games market is expected to reach a market volume of $362.48 million in 2025, while the country's gambling sector is expected to generate over $915 million in revenue.  Between 2025 and 2030, the revenue is projected to grow at an annual rate of 1.87%, reaching $1 billion by 2030.  According to experts, Ghana can meet these goals given the fact that 75% of its youth gamble regularly.

Tanzania 

Just like the other countries in this article, Tanzania's gambling market is made up of a mobile-first environment and a young population that loves sports. However, unlike Ghana and Nigeria, the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) also supports online casinos in a bid to diversify the market. 

Tanzania has been able to generate $150 million in gambling revenue annually since the gaming board started regulating the gambling industry in 2003. Tanzania's gambling industry is currently expected to generate $568 million in revenue annually, with a projected 1.87% rise to $623 million by 2030. In 2025, the casino sector is also expected to reach a market value of $368 million.

Final Words

With over $80 billion in annual revenue, South Africa is the biggest gambling market in Africa. Although the gambling market in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria is performing well, they are not as successful as that in South Africa. However, they can use South Africa’s gambling market as a model for growth and development.