5 Trends that will shape South Africas online betting landscape in 2024 u

July 4, 2025

betting in africa

Sub Saharan Africa lead in the number of mobile money deployments at 132 compared to global of 252. Out of the 866 million registered accounts, 395 million are in Sub Saharan Africa. 145 million active accounts versus 298 million globally, USD 1.7 billion in transactions volume versus 2.4 billion globally and 26.8 billion in transaction value versus 40.8 billion globally (4).

We preview the upcoming quarter final clash between Leinster and Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship. Nine80 Digital Media is a digital publishing company that represents the full spectrum of digital content publishing and advertising. We currently have over https://betika.win/ 15 digital platforms in South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana And Nigeria and we reach millions of monthly unique youth visitors every month. Betway’s significant investments in sponsorships have been pivotal to its prominence in South Africa. In July 2024, Betway secured a three-year deal worth approximately R900 million to become the title sponsor of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, now known as the Betway Premiership.

In the last year alone, the continent’s fan base, who regularly follow sports broadcasts, has reached 300 million. And about half of them actively use bookmakers to turn their hobby into a way to earn extra money. Betting and gambling have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of wagering found in ancient civilisations from China to Greece. In South Africa, the story of betting and gambling is a relatively recent one, with the horse racing industry only becoming legal in 1965.

They could improve, though, like by adding more live fight streams or simplifying things for beginners. Each sport has its uniqueness, affecting how bets are structured and odds are calculated. Boxing, for instance, often involves more strategic and tactical exchanges, leading to fewer knockouts and more decisions compared to MMA.

betting in africa

Betway’s platform is praised for its intuitive design and a robust mobile application, ensuring a seamless betting experience. Globally, betting and gambling activity, particularly in sport, is on the rise. In July 2024, the group launched the Aviator casino game in SA through its KingMakers unit. The game, created by Spribe, now has more than 5-million monthly active players worldwide and is growing in popularity locally. Interestingly, there has been rapid growth in the popularity of darts, especially in 2023.

Trusted UFC Betting Sites in South Africa

Implementation and day to day operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer, ably assisted by support staff. A 2016 study by the University of Cape Town’s Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health noted a significant association between suicidality and pathological gambling. It found that pathological gamblers were five to ten times more likely to have a history of suicide attempts than non-gamblers. The NSPCA reveals shocking evidence of the Eastern Cape Gambling Board allegedly allowing a licensed bookmaker to profit from illegal cockfighting.

  • Despite this, illegal betting and gambling continued to thrive, with many people finding ways to wager on horse racing and other sports.
  • In this blog post, we’ll explore the future of iGaming and betting in Africa, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
  • The development of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks, innovative payment solutions, and increased internet access will be key to unlocking the full potential of the iGaming and betting industry in Africa.
  • The convenience of placing bets from a smartphone or computer has transformed the betting landscape, making it more accessible than ever.
  • The industry has grown impressively with the number of regular users rising (2).
  • The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors.

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This has resulted in a fragmented market with varying levels of legal and regulatory oversight. Leading to a wider range of betting markets like the method of victory, round betting, and whether or not the fight will go the distance. Hollywoodbets stands out as a reliable choice for UFC betting in South Africa, offering a range of betting options from the standard bout winner to more nuanced bets like over/under total rounds. They also offer features like live betting and cash-out options, giving bettors more control over their wagers. None of those advances would have made a difference, however, if people didn’t feel safe participating in sports betting. Government regulation goes a long way to ensuring that people do feel that sense of safety.

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betting in africa

Picking the right bookmaker for UFC in South Africa isn’t just about finding a betting site that has the best odds and markets! While that’s undeniably important, it’s also about getting the most value for your money! If a bookmaker can’t take care of new members, how are they going to take care of punters in the long run? Make sure you sign up with a betting site that offers the best welcome bonuses! A good welcome bonus can give you extra funds to bet with, reducing your risk and boosting your chances of winning without spending more of your money. Some sportsbooks also offer free bets which allow you to test the platform before fully committing, so you can see whether they’re a right fit for you.

betting in africa

For more trusted bookmakers please also see our full bookmaker listing on Best Betting Sites. Despite rising costs of living and economic pressures, gambling has gained popularity, particularly due to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet access. Advertising from betting companies further fuels this trend, increasing participation within this demographic. South Africans place more than  R1 trillion in bets annually, with R700 billion spent on sports betting alone.

G. Gambling machines and devices

In June 2021, the group paid $281.5m to increase its stake in BetKing, a digital and sports entertainment platform that focuses on Africa, to 49%. Blue Lake Ventures, which traded as BetKing, subsequently changed its name to KingMakers. Of the total, betting generated 60.5% of industry GGR at R35.9bn, with casinos leading the charge, at R17.4bn, about 29% of the pie. There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years. There was sizeable growth in the average bet size during 2023, a sign that South Africans had no doubts about the prospects of the Springboks. Basketball is also popular with South African punters and is appealing to bettors who have the appetite to risk more per bet.

Top Sports in South Africa

  • We highlight the best betting sites that offer you fast loading slots that are especially developed for mobile gameplay.
  • This Act legalized other forms of gambling in the Province and provided for the establishment of the Gauteng Gambling Board.
  • There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.
  • Traditional forms of betting, such as fixed-odds betting on outcomes, have been complemented by innovative offerings such as in-play betting and exotic bets.
  • The winner is decided according to the highest number out of the two cards.

Prior to 1996, all gambling in South Africa was illegal except for betting on horse races. The Constitution then established that gambling and wagering were legally competent, and so it became necessary to coordinate matters on a provincial and national level. The Legal LandscapeThe legality of sports betting in South Africa is a relatively recent development. While horse racing betting has been a constant for decades, the National Gambling Act of 2004 opened the doors for a wider range of sports to be included. In Uganda, the regulatory online gambling act was promulgated as the Lotteries and Gaming Act was released in 2016. And although there are no actual stipulations that actually refer to online gambling, the legalisation of sportsbooks has been formally licensed by the Ugandan National Gaming Board.

At this point, additional documents may be needed to be submitted by the patron before payment is made, including proof of residence and proof of bank account details. In instances where non – South African punters are prohibited by Bookmakers from betting, these processes make it more difficult for these players to withdraw money from the platform without being detected. Nevertheless, the winnings are not always available due to a coincidence of circumstances – you need to understand the nuances of the bookmaker’s office, understand the bets, and have a winning strategy.

The main provider is the WCGRB, Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, but there are actually a licensing board located in each province. So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally. No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income. Further laws were passed in 2010 that made online gambling on servers located outside of the country illegal. Unless the gambling website offered other online gambling services as well as sports betting.

From the ardent MMA fan to the novice newbie, we have everything you need to stay in the loop and enjoy everything the world of MMA has to offer. But Evolution is not the only Live Game provider available on betting site. You have often also access to titles by Ezugi, Authentic Gaming or Pragmatic Play.

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Is sports betting popular in Nigeria?

In-play betting, in particular, allows bettors to wager on outcomes during a live sporting event, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. In recent years, the betting industry in South Africa has evolved greatly, with the introduction of online betting and gaming. This has allowed people to place bets and play casino style games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical racetrack or casino. Online betting and gaming have become increasingly popular in South Africa, as it provides a convenient and accessible way to participate in the betting industry. These days the best online betting sites do not only offer you sports and lotteries to bet on.

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  • Betting on horse racing, rugby and football, for example, was allowed and was very popular because it was the only form of gambling that was allowed.
  • Blackjack uses the international 52-card deck without jokers, with several variations of the original game being present in several online casinos which are active in Africa.
  • More and more people are now using their smartphones and tablets to access the internet.
  • While having a big focus on the sports part of the market, MultiChoice has offerings beyond this.
  • By doing so, they can create an environment that fosters sustainable growth, maximizes economic benefits, and safeguards the well-being of consumers in the evolving world of online betting.
  • Secondly, it is constantly amazing to watch the game of your favourite team or a player, but when it brings you money, it is much better.
  • Then, when we became more mature and grown-up, this desire for risk just continued increasing.
  • Sports is not just a way of relaxing anymore, it is a profitable form of earning money.

Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling. Betway places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling, ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting safe betting practices. The company is accredited by international testing agency eCOGRA and supports the Responsible Gambling Trust, reflecting its dedication to ethical operations. This commitment has fostered trust and loyalty among its user base, establishing Betway as a reputable and reliable platform in the South African betting industry. With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years. There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.

South Africa gambling industry to grow $2.5 billion in 2021

Well, first of all, as we said above, people are always glad to feel the risk and desire of victory. Secondly, it is constantly amazing to watch the game of your favourite team or a player, but when it brings you money, it is much better. Thus, sports betting is really wide-spread because this is a perfect way to satisfy people’s wishes.

Sport

The major online bookmakers in South Africa offer sign up bonuses for new customers and provide you with free bets to use when you start betting online. The full list of free bets and welcome bonus offers are listed on this page above. Now, the company is leveraging its expertise in gaming and entertainment to introduce new and exciting offerings to consumers in West Africa, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the market. Their customers are quite a broad range from those who enjoy a small dabble and do it for fun to serious players who want to make a tremendous wager. Among the wide selection of events for betting, it is sports that are in trend.

Borrowers tend to be young urban males with 54% in Kenya and 64% in Tanzania. The most common reasons for the digital credit borrowing given by the participants is household needs and business purposes put at 35% and 37% respectively in Kenya and 37% and 31% respectively in Tanzania. 47% of respondents paid a loan late in Kenya compared to 56% in Tanzania. Three African countries make up the largest chunk of legal gambling activity in Africa.

We’ll be with you on every step of your betting journey, rooting for you and keeping you updated through our informative and entertaining blog posts. Stay tuned for the latest odds, betting tips, previews, and reviews of all the major sporting events taking place. With a focus on innovation, customer experience, and social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings is well-positioned to shape the future of gaming and entertainment in West Africa, bringing value and economic development to the region. For persons suffering with gambling addiction, these steps might involve self-exclusion options, expenses restrictions, or support service access. As we said, a lot of information concerning first SA bookies is unrevealed.

Unlike boxing, which focuses solely on punches, MMA incorporates striking, grappling, and ground fighting, influencing how odds are set and bets are made. The local market is dominated by Betway, Hollywoodbets, PlayaBets and Easybet. Slots and Aviator are growing rapidly, both at over 100% per annum, and stand to become the games of preference to the average person in SouthAfrica. SportsBoom brings you all the best of SA rugby, from the latest news to exclusive interviews.

Hence, nowadays, African citizens represent over 11.5% of the overall internet users in the world. Keep reading to discover the statistical growth of the gambling industry in different African countries, with an emphasis on the importance of Live Casino games as a vital resource for the further development of the betting sector. The lack of traditional banking infrastructure in many African countries presents a challenge for the iGaming and betting industry. However, this has also given rise to innovative payment solutions that cater to the needs of African players, such as mobile money and cryptocurrency.

  • While in the past spinning the reels of fun and exciting slots was only possible in unregulated online casinos this has changed in 2021.
  • The main reason behind this game’s outstanding popularity lies in the small house edge value it has, which is actually the lowest one of all the available card games in online casinos.
  • A few African countries that have emerged as major participants in the online betting industry and attracted both local and international betting companies are Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.
  • According to 2022 statistics data, Nigeria has the largest population and gross domestic product in all of Africa.
  • Nevertheless, the winnings are not always available due to a coincidence of circumstances – you need to understand the nuances of the bookmaker’s office, understand the bets, and have a winning strategy.

You can find more details on betting law and related topics on our Betting Law page. We have also created a few useful and strategic tips to ensure your online betting safety. The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has also witnessed the expansion of betting markets and the introduction of new wagering options. Traditional forms of betting, such as fixed-odds betting on outcomes, have been complemented by innovative offerings such as in-play betting and exotic bets.

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While the latter might offer you more games content including online slots gameplay on those is currently not legal. Statistics show that 49.4% of South Africans bet on sports from October 2021 to October 2022; around a quarter of these bettors also engage in online betting a few times a week. Given numerous options, bettors should be aware of the vital features that any website should provide. Whether your experience with betting is fresh or seasoned, understanding what to anticipate from the TOP 20 betting sites will guide your decision. Over the years there have been many laws and acts passed to stop online gambling. An increasing number of people now enjoy sports betting online so it looks set to be an industry that will grow from strength to strength.

Rugby Betting Sites​

New users can benefit from a welcome bonus that works similarly to a casino deposit match, providing a good start with a small wagering requirement before playthrough. While Betway provides competitive odds, especially on major UFC events, one area for improvement could be the expansion of their live streaming services. Policymakers on the African continent are also expected to start contemplating the same issue as more people take up betting, driven by the internet on the continent. US legislators are now mulling how to regulate the sector at a national/federal level given the increased uptake in what is now estimated to be a $10bn industry.

Mobile Betting

As of the current date, South Africa has over 30 online sports betting sites that have been licensed and approved by their relevant provinces. Technological innovations have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of sports betting in South Africa. The development of sophisticated betting platforms and mobile betting apps in league with the Betway app has revolutionised how bettors engage with sports events. These apps offer a seamless betting experience, providing real-time odds, live streaming of events and instant transaction processing.

If online gambling ever gets the green light to operate in South Africa, online operators would be wise to implement strong controls to prevent and detect fraud. Africa is considered a technology-limited continent, which means it is cut off from the rest of the online world. However, the situation has changed dramatically in recent years thanks to the rapid development of Internet connectivity in Africa. More than two-thirds of African people have access to high-speed mobile Internet today. All this greatly expands the possibilities of participating in international online sports betting, as well as allows you to place bets on your favourite African teams.

Similar to the rest of African countries, the sports betting sector makes for the vast majority of the GGR. And, according to yearly statistics, over 30% of the entire population places bets on sports every single day. It is no surprise then that Nigerians spend over $2-billion every year on sports betting.

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