Sports betting is a growing industry in Africa. Many people use online and offline platforms to place bets, especially on football.
A recent survey by GeoPoll reveals that Nigeria ranks 6th among African countries with the largest sports betting populations.
As internet access increases, more people are using mobile devices to bet. In fact, in 2020, about 70% of online betting came from mobile devices.
According to the survey Kenya has the most people betting in Africa.
Below is a list of African countries with the largest sports betting populations:
Kenya – 82.81% of the population bets, making it the top country for sports betting. Football is the most popular sport to bet on.
South Africa – 73.94% of the population bets. South Africa has a big gambling market.
Ghana – 73.03% of people in Ghana place bets. The country has a well-regulated betting industry.
Uganda – 71.43% of the population bets, with most people focusing on football.
Tanzania – 71.13% of the population bets, especially on football and local sports.
Nigeria – 65.32% of people in Nigeria bet on sports. Although Nigeria has one of the biggest betting markets, a smaller percentage of its population participates compared to other countries.
Most people across these countries prefer to bet on football, with over 76% of bettors choosing this sport.
Despite its popularity, sports betting has raised concerns. Governments in Africa worry about the negative effects it may have, especially on young people and those without steady incomes. To address this, many countries are setting rules to regulate betting.
These laws require betting companies to have licenses and follow guidelines to protect users from being exploited.
With Africa’s large population and growing use of mobile phones and the internet, the sports betting industry will likely continue to grow, but regulations will help ensure it is done safely.