Few people think of Africa when they hear something about the world’s gambling hubs and in vain. Over the past few years gambling has been gaining popularity on the African continent, and the gambling market is developing at a rapid pace.
Specifics of the African Gambling Market
In recent years, African countries have been confidently shattering stereotypes about limited resources and lagging behind the rest of the world. In fact, 70 percent of the continent’s population has access to high-speed mobile Internet and technology, and that number continues to grow rapidly. Because of this, online casinos and sports betting are gaining popularity. Land-based casinos are somewhat less in demand, but also have plenty of customers.
The African gambling market is much younger than the European and American markets. Therefore, the legislation of African countries regulating the organization of gambling is rather unclear. In spite of this fact, most types of gambling are officially allowed in most regions, and a categorical ban is in force only in some countries.
The largest gambling centres are South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. In more detail, we will consider features of the African gambling market on the example of these countries.
South Africa
In the Republic of South Africa, gambling was legalized relatively recently – in 1994 when the new democratic government came to power. Now each of the 9 provinces of South Africa has its commission that regulates the business of organization and holding of gambling in their territory.
The range of gambling in South Africa is somewhat limited – land-based casinos, the national lottery, and bookmaker’s offices that take bets on sports and horse races are allowed here. Online casinos are illegal here.
The National Lottery is in first place in the gambling ranking of South Africa. It is popular among locals before online sports betting and casinos.
Nigeria
Gambling was legalized in Nigeria in 2004. They are controlled by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. Gambling in Nigeria is divided into 2 categories: legal and illegal. Off-line and online casinos, lotteries, and sports betting are legal, while individual games such as roulette and craps are illegal.
Nigeria is the second-largest gambling market in Africa. Its population (almost 200 million citizens) and loyal legislation put it in this position.
The most popular gambling entertainment here is sports betting and bet in-play in Nigeria. Most Nigerians are fond of European soccer and like not only to watch it and cheer for their favorite teams but also to bet on the outcome of the game and earn from it.
Kenya
The situation in the gambling market in Kenya is similar to Nigeria, but since the population is several times smaller (47 million people) – it develops more slowly. In addition, it is also affected by the fact that not all of the country has quality internet coverage.
Most types of gambling in Kenya are legalized, although online gambling is not very common due to limited technical capabilities. The most popular entertainment is betting on European soccer, as in Nigeria.
Prospects for Development
Experts in the field of gambling say that the African gambling business is only gaining momentum and will continue to evolve. With the spread of the mobile internet network, the number of people who will play online casinos and bet on sports online will grow.
The more and faster this sector develops, the better national governments will be able to set up systems of legal regulation of gambling to make it work clearly and efficiently.
