Investing in Africa’s Gambling Market: Projected to Reach $11 Billion by 2032

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. In the US, the industry has seen a major boost as the market has become more liberalised. Betting on sport is now legal in 38 states, with Missouri set to become the 39th state in 2025, as well as the District of Columbia. 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.

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Casinos face growing competition as foreign digital gambling companies exploit regulatory gaps in African markets, particularly in countries like South Africa, Sudan, and Somalia. These companies operate from jurisdictions such as Gibraltar and Curacao, bypassing local regulations. Their activities resemble past predatory lending trends, creating significant challenges for regulators who struggle to monitor operators circumventing restrictions. In South Africa, the crackdown on illegal gambling has intensified following the country’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force due to financial crime deficiencies. Cryptoleo’s dedicated eSports section is one of the most features I’ve come across on any SA gambling site.

Top Sportsbooks in South Africa

How to choose the best betting site for youIf you’re a beginner, I suggest you choose a site that offers simple and easy navigation, as well as low minimum wagering requirements. If you love to bet on the go, then look for a sportsbook that offers a mobile-compatible site or a dedicated app. If you’re always on the hunt for bonuses, then choose a site offering multiple bonuses and promotions, including tournaments and loyalty rewards. 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.

“Technology will keep driving advancements and will keep changing the way people think about and engage with the sector. It’s critical, therefore, that operators in the sector keep up with these trends and advancements. “While South Africa has always been a sporty nation, its international sporting profile has probably never been higher and this is especially true for women’s sports,” says Chelin. 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.

• Remember, responsible betting is key to maximising your enjoyment and minimising any potential risks.
• Sports betting in South Africa is legal and currently regulated by the National Gambling Board.
• Instead of earning easy money, those who indulge in excessive gambling frequently face financial strain, said John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual.
• Types of Bonuses and PromotionsThese are the most popular bonuses you’ll find when signing up and playing at top sports betting destinations in SA.
• These bets are gaining popularity because they appeal to non-sports fans and capitalize on global entertainment trends.
• Reviewers meticulously go over the initial write-up, correcting errors and clarifying.

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The truth is that the house edge ensures that bookmakers maintain a profit over time. For instance, when odds are at -110 on both sides of a bet, a bettor must risk R110 to win R100, meaning even skilled bettors face a statistical disadvantage in the long run. This allows you to settle your bet early and lock in some form of winnings, even if you’ve experienced losses.

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These apps give a better experience with faster loading times and easy navigation. Additionally, the sportsbook should be mobile-compatible, so you can place wagers on the go. If the sportsbook offers a dedicated or downloadable mobile app, then that’s even better.

Tech making sports betting fun and accessible

• The National Gambling Act of 2004 made the switch to the 1996 Act and limited interactive gambling activities involved with poker, casino, and bingo.
• The Company has developed to become one of the most trustworthy and fast-moving bookmaking groups in South Africa.
• It’s all about understanding your limits and making sure that you never bet more than you’re willing to lose.
• By understanding the legalities, exploring the various betting options and approaching sports betting responsibly, South Africans can enjoy the thrill of adding a competitive edge to their love for sports.
• The local market is dominated by Betway, Hollywoodbets, PlayaBets and Easybet.
• In Uganda, the regulatory online gambling act was promulgated as the Lotteries and Gaming Act was released in 2016.

People living in the rainbow nation will often bet on international tournaments and local competitions, including the English Premier League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, United Rugby Championship, SA20 and more. As a way of attracting and retaining customer loyalty, South African bookmakers offer bonuses. Here, I will break down the most common Sports betting promotions in South Africa.

In a country where lifestyle and entertainment are intertwined, 1Win offers sports fans the opportunity to make thrill a part of life. With a detailed guide to 1Win, you can enhance your understanding and strategy, and with a little luck, revolutionize your gaming experience and level up your betting game. The full research paper by Robinson Mbae and Edmond Machengete explores the relationship of sports betting with digital credit, looking at how these have prevailed, the common consumer and amounts bet and borrowed.

Sports betting is the most frequent type of betting with an average incidence of 12 times per month. Playing casino tables and slot machines have the lowest incidence of 7 and 5 times per month respectively. You must rely solely upon your own judgment in all aspects of your investment and/or trading decisions and all investments and/or trades are made at your own risk. The content contained within is subject to change at any time without notice. Sun International’s proposed acquisition of Peermont Holdings faces opposition from the Competition Commission, citing reduced competition in South Africa’s casino market.

With the rise of MMA’s popularity, betting on these events has become a significant source of entertainment for many. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to the betting scene, knowing which platforms offer the best experience for UFC betting is crucial. It’s also worth remembering that we live in an increasingly globalised world and that there are millions of South Africans living abroad. Those South Africans will have shared their sports betting experiences with family and friends back home, further nudging them towards it as a worthwhile activity. Sportingbet accepts more than one million unique bets per day, and on some days even more than two million.

This Act legalized other forms of gambling in the Province and provided for the establishment of the Gauteng Gambling Board. Plus, live betting provides real excitement as players can place their bets in real-time while a game is being played. Besides, with competitive odds and detailed statistics, 1Win equips players with the tools needed to make informed decisions, enhancing their chances of success. BUSINESS NEWS — South Africa’s passion for sports extends beyond cheering on the sidelines. The country boasts a thriving sports betting industry, allowing fans to add a layer of excitement (and potentially some winnings) to their favourite games.

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BetShezi casino also offers a 4-tiered welcome bonus worth up to R10,000 for a 20x turnover. Multiples of the Day add 7% to the odds and the Bet Builder offers some great boosted odds. We highlight the best betting sites that offer you fast loading slots that are especially developed for mobile gameplay. Senzo Tsabedze’s vision and leadership are guiding Afrirent Holdings towards a future of success, innovation, and positive impact in the West African market. 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.

Keep an eye out for live chat, email, or phone support options, and test them to ensure that the customer support team is knowledgeable and responsive, addressing your questions in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re after the best sports betting promotions, you’ll find a wealth of them available here at EasyBet. This includes a series of weekly cashback offers, bet matches, cash bonuses, bet insurance, and multi-bet bonuses to boost your winnings. BetsheziBetshezi launched in 2021 and is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) and operated by SMP Gaming (PTY) Ltd. The sportsbook covers over 30 sports, including popular selections like rugby, cricket, and soccer from the Premier League. When it comes to bet types, you’ll have access to pre-match, live betting, and virtual sports as well.

Football

The average payout percentages or margins can give you a good sense of how competitive the odds are for pre-match and live sports betting in South Africa. PayFast betting sites allow you to make payments for cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets and more. Just for signing up at this new South African sports betting site, I got a R50 free bet.

Balancing potential returns with responsible practices and regulatory adherence could be key to success in this rapidly growing sector. Africa’s gambling market offers significant growth potential, driven by technology and a young, tech-savvy population. Investors can benefit from the expansion of online gambling in key markets like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, with companies like Super Group and Goldrush Holdings leading the charge. Betting grew by 51.2%, driven by sports and horse racing, while casinos showed marginal growth (0.1%). Taxes and levies from the industry increased by 19.2% to R4.8 billion, underscoring its growing economic impact. Throughout this article, I have demonstrated that Online betting sites in South Africa offer different betting options, bonuses, and more.

Sports Betting in South Africa – Is it Legal?

Providers of mobile money credit in both countries are many with the likes of MShwari, KCB MPesa, Equity Eazzy, Tala, MCoop Cash and Branch being among the popular ones. Within a few seconds the borrowers are credited the money after accepting the terms and conditions of the loan. In Kenya 54% of active mobile money users have an outstanding mobile money loan while the figure is 60% in Tanzania. Borrowers tend to be young urban males with 54% in Kenya and 64% in Tanzania.

Below, you’ll find a comparison table of the best options, along with a detailed look at what each bookmaker does well. In a bold move to expand its influence and footprint in Africa, Afrirent Holdings, a renowned investment company led by Senzo Tsabedze, is venturing into the vibrant gaming, lottery, and betting market of West Africa. With a history of success and a strong presence in South Africa, Afrirent Holdings is now setting its sights on the exciting opportunities offered by the dynamic entertainment sector in the West African region.

III. BetShezi

Welcome to Bet & Win, your comparison site and review guide for the best and most popular sport betting, lucky numbers and casino games sites in South Africa. We have put online betting sites in South Africa to the test and picked only the best offers for you, so you can place your bets online in a fun and safe way. Usually providing a range of bonuses and promotions, betting sites in South Africa draw in new players and keep devoted users. These bonuses benefit the bettors more than merely improve the betting experience. A sports betting site is safe if it is licensed by a reputable gambling authority, and regulated in its relevant jurisdiction.

The game, created by Spribe, now has more than 5-million monthly active players worldwide and is growing in popularity locally. Betting on UFC fights in South Africa is exciting and offers plenty of options. Betway, Hollywoodbets, and 1xbet are top choices because they provide user-friendly experiences, good bonuses, and many ways to bet on fights. 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. While they offer competitive odds, especially for popular UFC events, they don’t focus heavily on virtual UFC betting or enhanced odds promotions. 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.

The lack of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks for iGaming and betting in many African countries presents a significant challenge for the industry. This has resulted in a fragmented market with varying levels of legal and regulatory oversight. Gross gambling revenues for casinos, limited payout machines, bingo and betting totalled R27 billion in 2016, a 3.9% increase on the prior year. While Betway provides competitive odds, especially on major UFC events, one area for improvement could be the expansion of their live streaming services.

No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income. Sports betting in South Africa has deep historical roots, dating back to the early 19th century, when informal wagering on horse racing was prevalent. After examining the surge in mobile credit and the rise of sports betting we put forth the conclusion that the digital credit has been an enabler to the growth of sports betting has in East Africa.

Top 10 Cricket Betting Sites in South Africa

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. The best bookmakers have fair terms with reasonable playthrough requirements, so you can withdraw your winnings instead of getting caught in frustrating endless rollovers. Before accepting any welcome bonus, make sure that the terms are fair and achievable, ensuring they’re aligned with what you’re comfortable with.

The range of betting options on a betting website is among the most crucial aspects one ought to look for. From the country favorites like rugby and cricket to worldwide sports like football and specialized events, South African bettors have a broad spectrum of sports to choose from. The finest betting sites provide several betting markets, such as match winners, player props, or even live event betting, so as to accommodate these tastes. A reputable sportsbook would have a large selection of markets for both pre-match betting and live betting, thereby allowing bettors lots of options to stake wagers on ongoing events.

• Bookmakers with the best odds, generous bonuses, customer service, live streaming, and quick withdrawals receive high ratings.
• Before 1965, all forms of betting and gambling were illegal in South Africa, with the government viewing the activities as a threat to public morality.
• Well, first of all, as we said above, people are always glad to feel the risk and desire of victory.
• We South Africans love being out and about but don’t want to miss out on watching a certain rugby or soccer match.
• 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.
• BetGames are live lucky draw games that combine traditional fixed odds betting with lottery and live dealers.

The legal landscape underwent significant transformations, with the legalisation of online sports betting in 2004 under the National Gambling Act. This legislative change provided a regulatory framework for operators to offer online betting services, encouraging competition and innovation in the market. Subsequent amendments and regulations have further shaped the industry, confirming consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. This was a turning point for the betting industry in South Africa, as the legalisation of horse racing led to the establishment of many racetracks and the creation of a regulated betting industry.

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They also offer features like live betting and cash-out options, giving bettors more control over their wagers. One of the biggest factors in the growth of sports betting is simply increased awareness and visibility. While it’s true that advertising and sponsorships can only take you so far, they do make a significant difference. The best South African online sportsbooks will have live chat and email support.

This, along with the addition of ESPN, have contributed to a spike in betting on US sports,” says Chelin. Globally, betting and gambling activity, particularly in sport, is on the rise. 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.

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They are available across most of the best betting sites these days and guarantee a quick, enjoyable betting entertainment. With more people betting online, security is a major issue for bettors from South Africa. A respectable betting website must have a fresh license from a credible body such as provincial gaming boards or the National gaming Board (NGB).

• It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.
• The constitutional government won office in 1994 and regularized various kinds of gambling.
• Most South African sportsbooks do this, as they fall under the regulation and oversight of a reputable gaming authority.
• Betway is considered the biggest bookmaker in South Africa and along with Sportingbet and Hollywoodbets.
• Noticing a prospect of economic growth, the government of Tanzania swiftly decided to regulate the online gambling industry through the Internet Gaming Regulations Act promulgated in 2012.
• There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.
• In South Africa, the legal gambling age is eighteen, hence all licensed operators have to confirm the age of their clients in order to stop young gaming.

According to 2022 statistics data, Nigeria has the largest population and gross domestic product in all of Africa. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the country is currently the most profitable gambling market in sub-Saharan Africa, which translates to an average of 7% of the continent total. And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years. The progressive growth of economic prosperity in numerous African countries has become undeniably visible over the last quarter-century. In addition, using special deals for South Africans can increase the value of your bets. Betting on fighters like Kamaru Usman, Valentina Shevchenko, and Israel Adesanya, each with unique styles, can make your bet bets more thrilling.

From tradition to technology: The evolution of sports betting in South Africa

At the same time, our language and mind just make us say some phrases that are connected with risk and desire for victory such as “I will bet you anything” and many others. Therefore, as this is apriori in our blood, I suggest our relaxing and enjoying this article. Multiple fake accounts join the same poker table to cheat the system by deliberately aiding/favouring one player. Fraudsters can control multiple players in order to defraud unsuspecting legitimate users. While the COVID 19 Pandemic continues to cause devastating effects and severe social disruptions worldwide, one industry has seen a significant increase in growth.

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• So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally.
• For those who feel their gambling habits might be affecting their financial well-being, Manyike advises seeking support.
• The best thing about betting online is that you can compare odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing your wager, ensuring you get the best possible odds when you need them.
• Some punters might be very familiar with the do’s and don’ts of betting online.
• Despite this, illegal betting and gambling continued to thrive, with many people finding ways to wager on horse racing and other sports.
• Complete the registration process and once you’ve fulfilled the requirements you’ll have free bets in your account.
• Yes, most top-rated sportsbooks have mobile-friendly sites or even dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to bet on the go.

Fortunately, for players, the government has established laws and regulations to ensure only docile casinos and betting sites can offer their services in South Africa. More betting establishments are continuing to appear on the horizon, meaning the industry will keep broadening, according to its high demand. After all, we can make a prediction that it has come from the times of gladiator games or even earlier.