Africa’s sports betting market is on a trajectory of massive growth and participation, particularly in 2025, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya at the forefront of the industry that has reportedly captivated at least 440 million bettors across the continent
According to recent data from Business Insider, these countries, alongside Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana, are driving Africa’s sports betting economy.
It was gathered that the surge in sports betting was fueled by mobile technology and a young digital-native population.
Below is the list of the six countries leading Africa’s sports betting revolution, based on estimated numbers of bettors derived from participation rates and population data;
South Africa:
South Africa tops the continent with a staggering 90% betting participation rate among its 64.7 million population, equating to 58.3 million bettors.
Platforms like Hollywoodbets and Mzansibet cater to local preferences, offering tailored bonuses and support in multiple languages, including isiZulu and Afrikaans. The country’s love for rugby, soccer, and horse racing is also said to fuel this vibrant market.
Uganda
Uganda may not be the largest country on the list, but it certainly bets big. Out of a population of approximately 51.4 million, about 44.7 million Ugandans are estimated to be active in sports betting, giving it one of the highest participation rates at 87 per cent.
Kenya:
Kenya ranks third, with 45.5 million bettors from a population of 57.5 million, achieving a 79% participation rate.
The country’s mobile-first approach, driven by platforms like M-Pesa, has revolutionized betting, with 88% of gamblers using mobile devices.
Kenya’s betting culture is deeply tied to football, and its regulatory environment supports a thriving industry.
Nigeria:
With a population exceeding 237.5 million, Nigerians contribute to Africa’s sports betting market with a 71% participation rate, translating to 168.7 million active bettors.
This data reflects the situation in the country as betting kiosks are a common sight across Nigerian streets even as economic hardship bites hard.
Platforms like Bet9ja and Sportybet offer extensive coverage of European and African leagues, making Nigeria a focal point for global iGaming operators. The market is projected to generate $3.63 billion in revenue by the end of 2025.
Tanzania
In Tanzania, betting is on the rise. Although the participation rate lags behind the top four, the market is expanding fast, especially among young urban dwellers.
Tanzania, with 39.5 million bettors and a 56% participation rate, thrives on low-stakes, high-volume mobile betting via platforms like Tigo Pesa.
Ghana
Ghana rounds out the top six with nearly 20 million estimated sports bettors. The market is not as large, but interest is rising fast. The country has a participation rate of 56 per cent.
