Sports betting and its Relationship to Digital Credit: A Case Study for East Africa

The activity has been banned in Uganda by the Ugandan president (6) and religious leaders in Tanzania have called for it to be curbed (7). East African Governments have also increased exponentially the taxes they levy on sport betting companies with most ranging at 15% and above (10). Three African countries make up the largest chunk of legal gambling activity 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.

National Gambling Act: Regulations: Gambling advertising and exclusions register: Amendment

• My insightIf you’re looking for a social sportsbook, there’s a few aspects you’ll need to keep an eye on to ensure that the sportsbook balances fun, competition, and rewards.
• However, this changed in 1965 when the government legalised horse racing, making it the first form of legal gambling in the country.
• Similar to the rest of African countries, the sports betting sector makes for the vast majority of the GGR.
• Ensure that you make use of these tools, as they can give you an edge when placing your bets.
• If you’re a South African bettor looking for a rush and big winnings, 1Win is the place to be.
• There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right online betting site.
• This is according to the iGaming Trends 2025 report by Malta-based iGaming software supplier Softswiss.

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 bets more thrilling.

• Expect to find multiple bonuses and promos here, including deposit match bonuses, a refer-a-friend program, odds boosts, and more.
• While traditional sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket will likely be mainstays of the sports betting sector for some time to come in South Africa, a growing number of niche sports are attracting bettors too.
• The regulation of the online branch of this industry has been beneficial for both the government, which welcomes an increase in tax revenue, and the population, which welcomes the addition of new and exciting leisure activities.
• Aviator is the most popular casino game by a unique player count by quite some distance.
• GRIPP Advisory has a vast amount of collective experience in providing advisory services to the gambling industry of South Africa and other African countries.

Betting is gaining popularity in Africa

• Super Group’s African expansion continues to drive growth, with the region contributing 38% of total revenue in Q3, making it the company’s largest revenue generator.
• 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.
• During a losing streak, I discovered the importance of responsible gambling tools.
• “Gambling is not a reliable source of income, and without careful management, it can lead to serious financial setbacks.
• Most online bookmakers have expanded their games portfolio into BetGames, Slots, Scratchcards and Live Games for an even more exciting experience.
• For punters, live betting is a must have real-time updates, odds adjustments, and thorough match statistics.

We South Africans love being out and about but don’t want to miss out on watching a certain rugby or soccer match. Additionally, live betting makes placing bets possible after a game has started. Even if you have missed your bet before kick-off, you can jump into the action later on. Not all online sports book sites offer this feature yet and we highlight relevant bookmakers.

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.

There needs to be a consideration for the local audience, what they want to bet on and how they will make use of our platform” concludes Chelin. “The online betting space has changed dramatically over the years, but its evolution is far from over,” says Chelin. “American sports have seen a steady rise in interest in South Africa with events like the Basketball African League and the NFL Experience bringing fans closer to these sports.

• As the competition heads toward the final, football fans across South Africa are following every twist and turn.
• Just for signing up at this new South African sports betting site, I got a R50 free bet.
• Prior to 1996, all gambling in South Africa was illegal except for betting on horse races.
• This means there’s no need to leave your home, and you can bet from the comfort of it.
• Yes, sports betting is legal in South Africa as long as you use a licensed and regulated sportsbook.
• There have been repeated promises from the South African government and Trade and Industry Ministers that online gambling in the form of casino games such as poker will be made legal.
• For users who place bets across live events in various time zones, 24-hour customer assistance is very helpful.

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Banking transactionsReputable sports betting sites in South Africa offer secure and reliable payment options. Odds qualityLikewise, aside from having a range of sports betting markets, the betting platform should offer competitive odds and a variety of wagering options. A site that consistently offers competitive odds gives you the potential for higher returns on successful bets. The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has also witnessed the expansion of betting markets and the introduction of new wagering options.

Can I cash out my bet before the game ends?

So, while mobile apps have made sports betting more convenient and accessible for users around the world, their impact has been even greater in South Africa. Over the years, the user experience on those apps has also improved dramatically, further enhancing their appeal among sports betting customers. 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.

GAMBLING EQUIPMENT SEIZED

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. 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. 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.

All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster. Among the popular bookmakers in Africa is the famous Parimatch, which allows you to place bets on popular world events, as well as African championships and competitions. The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors.

South Africa

It also explores the role of regulation and education, and why its impact on financial inclusion and exclusion. Digital credit and specifically mobile money credit has grown leaps and bounds since they were introduced in East Africa. By simply clicking a few buttons most people with a mobile money account are able to request for a micro loan which is credited to their mobile money accounts from the various service providers.

Online gambling

I have ranked them based on features like odds, features, security, betting apps in South Africa and more. Both BetGames and Evolution Live Dealer Games are fully licensed in South Africa and hence playing these games is safe and legal. Please ensure you play at a betting site with a South African gaming license and not in one of the many online casinos. While the latter might offer you more games content including online slots gameplay on those is currently not legal. Another great advantage is live broadcasting of sporting events, particularly for well-liked sports like rugby, football, and cricket.

Reviewers meticulously go over the initial write-up, correcting errors and clarifying. Safe South African sportsbooks should display what South African Deposit and withdrawal methods they accept, like cards or eWallets. While Tic Tac Bets’ odds are competitive, I love that I can see all the boosted odds in one place by clicking the Price Boost tab. 1X2 bets, double chance, handicaps and more are accessible for thousands of events. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

How to Make the Most of Online Casino Bonuses in 2025

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. At its core, Baccarat is a game of guessing, where players place bets on which hand out of the two being dealt shall win.

They might look similar at first, but they differ in performance, features, and reputation. Bookmakers with the best odds, generous bonuses, customer service, live streaming, and quick withdrawals receive high ratings. Most people don’t like some South African betting websites due to the lack of sports and surprise fees, confusing bonus rules, and slow websites. If you like betting on the ponies, make sure there are South African Horse racing betting markets.

Betslip

Perhaps one of the most important rules of betting is setting a budget and sticking to it. You first need to decide exactly how much you have to spend, and once you do, ensure that you don’t bet more than you can afford to lose. Overall, responsible sports betting ensures that you enjoy the entire online betting experience without unnecessary stress.

Leading South African Betting Sites for Sports Coverage

GRIPP Advisory has a vast amount of collective experience in providing advisory services to the gambling industry of South Africa and other African countries. From the time gambling was introduced in East Africa it was a niche activity enjoyed by a few participants in society mostly foreigners and specific groups. It was not a main stream activity but mainly confined to casinos with expatriates and elites making up the bulk of their customers (1). There were also national lotteries mostly having the general public as users running in the East African countries which people bought tickets and wait for the draws to see if they won.

Now being able to place wagers on mobile phones there has been an explosion of the popularity of sports betting. The industry has grown impressively with the number of regular users rising (2). Currently, the gambling market in Kenya continues to be dominated by sports betting, with an estimated number of over 7-million citizens actively placing bets on online gambling services. The future of iGaming and betting in Africa is bright, with significant opportunities for growth and expansion. However, the industry also faces significant challenges that must be overcome if it is to reach its full potential. 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.

Only available to South African bank account holders with internet banking access. From football and MMA to kabaddi and eSports, BetShezi offers a huge range of sports. You’ll love the live betting, bet builder, system bets, and boosted odds that make every wager more exciting and flexible. By using our website, content and services you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

We don’t just rate sportsbooks – we test them thoroughly, listen to community members, and highlight the ones that provide South Africans with true value. Every SportsBoom sportsbook review follows a thorough, multi-step evaluation process designed to give South African bettors trustworthy, unbiased, and up-to-date information. Ozow handles banking transactions for secure online betting in South Africa, with additional safety and security measures. E-Wallets like Zapper or Samsung Pay offer a digital alternative for people who don’t want to share banking details.

The main goal of the game is to create a hand nearer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. Hence, the evolution of the online gambling market has been indefintely stalled for the moment, with only a few companies willing to still take a chance on the Kenyan market. This can be a barrier to adoption for iGaming and betting operators, who may struggle to overcome negative perceptions and build trust with local communities.

• 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.
• 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.
• Relates to various typesof gambling conducted online including poker, slot games, bingo and others.
• With that shift has come a whole slew of innovations that have completely changed the online betting sector; and that growth is rapidly accelerating.
• These aggregated rankings help us paint a more complete and honest picture, whether it’s a smooth withdrawal, frustrating support, or a standout feature.

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. Responsible gaming simply means enjoying your betting sessions, while staying in control of your budget. It’s all about understanding your limits and making sure that you never bet more than you’re willing to lose. Overall, it means not allowing your sports betting activities to affect your finances.

G. Gambling machines and devices

The transaction pay screen will appear once the type of e-wallet is selected. Our next step is to examine some of the payment methods for South African betting offered by trusted South African bookmakers. I like 10Bet because they accept major coins like BTC, ETH, LTC, and USDT instantly with low fees, offer fast crypto withdrawals, and have competitive odds on 40+ sports events. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right online betting site. Each site has its pros and cons and it betika app download all comes back to your individual preferences. Our team has put together extensive reviews to support your research so that you can make the right choice.

If you want a real edge, go for the best sports betting sites that offer live odds, fast payouts, and solid mobile apps — they make all the difference. The sports betting platform covers more than 60 sports with thousands of markets, including live bets. Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site. There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites. 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.

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. 1994 saw a new democratic government taking powered and all forms of gambling were legalized. The National Gambling Act 1996 introduced a system of licensed casinos as well as a single national lottery. The Act made provisions for the regulation of activities relating to gambling and uniform standards were introduced. The National Gambling Board was also established and became responsible for the supervision and regulation of the gambling industry. Looking ahead, the evolution of sports betting in South Africa is anticipated to continue, driven by technological innovation, regulatory reforms and shifting consumer preferences.

This not only provided a safe and controlled environment for people to bet on horse racing, but it also generated significant tax revenue for the government. The exceptions to this rule are province licensed horse racing and online sports betting. Individuals, internet service providers, casino sites and banks processing payments for online gambling are risking a R 10 million fine or 10 years of imprisonment. Even media and TV channels advertising online gambling services can be held liable. The constitutional government won office in 1994 and regularized various kinds of gambling. The National Gambling Act rolled out standard procedures for monitoring betting activities in 1996.

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.