Online gambling has become an increasingly visible part of Africa’s digital economy. From football betting platforms in Nigeria and Ghana to established online gaming markets in South Africa, millions of Africans are accessing gambling websites and mobile applications.
The expansion of affordable smartphones, mobile internet, digital payment systems and growing interest in sports has helped transform how people participate in betting. What was once largely associated with physical betting shops and casinos is now accessible through mobile devices.
But which African countries have the highest online gambling participation rates?
According to data from GWI’s second-quarter 2025 survey, published in the Digital 2026 Global Overview Report, South Africa leads the African countries surveyed, with 32.3% of internet users aged 16 and above accessing an online gambling or betting website or application in the previous month.
Ghana follows at 21.5%, while Nigeria records 18%. Kenya comes next at 16%, with Morocco recording 7.3%.
These figures reveal considerable differences in online gambling participation across the continent. They also highlight how quickly betting has become part of Africa’s growing digital landscape.
Online Gambling Participation in Africa by Country
The following ranking compares African countries included in the GWI survey. It measures the percentage of internet users aged 16 and above who visited an online gambling or betting website or application during the previous month.
| Rank | Country | Monthly Participation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 32.3% |
| 2 | Ghana | 21.5% |
| 3 | Nigeria | 18.0% |
| 4 | Kenya | 16.0% |
| 5 | Morocco | 7.3% |
Source: GWI, Q2 2025, via Digital 2026 Global Overview Report. Figures represent the percentage of internet users aged 16+ who visited an online gambling or betting website or app in the previous month.
These are the African countries represented in this particular comparison, not a complete ranking of all 54 African countries. South Africa’s participation rate is more than four times Morocco’s, demonstrating the significant differences between African online gambling markets.
These figures measure participation, not the amount of money wagered or the total revenue generated by each country’s gambling industry.
South Africa Leads Africa’s Online Gambling Participation
South Africa ranks first among the African countries surveyed, with 32.3% of internet users participating in online gambling monthly.
The country has one of the continent’s most established gambling industries, supported by licensed betting operators, casinos, digital payment infrastructure and a developed regulatory environment.
Sports betting is particularly popular, although online casino games and other forms of digital gambling also contribute to the market.
According to South Africa’s National Gambling Board, the country’s gambling industry generated approximately R59.3 billion in gross gambling revenue during the 2023/24 financial year, representing a 25.7% increase.
The country’s strong digital infrastructure and established gambling ecosystem help explain its leading position in the survey.
Ghana Ranks Second With 21.5%
Ghana ranks second, with 21.5% of internet users accessing online gambling platforms monthly. Football plays an important role in the country’s betting culture. Domestic and international football competitions attract considerable interest, creating demand for sports prediction and betting services.
Mobile phones have also made betting platforms more accessible, allowing users to participate without visiting traditional betting outlets.
Ghana’s position among leading African countries reflects the popularity of digital betting and mobile technology’s growing influence on consumer behaviour.
However, the expansion of online gambling also raises questions about responsible participation, consumer protection and the enforcement of gambling regulations.
Nigeria Records an 18% Participation Rate
Nigeria ranks third among the African countries surveyed, with an online gambling participation rate of 18%.
With its large population, youthful demographic and strong interest in football, Nigeria represents an important market for digital betting operators.
Football betting remains one of the most visible forms of online gambling in the country. International competitions, including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and major international tournaments, attract significant attention.
The growth of smartphones, mobile banking and digital payment platforms has also made it easier for Nigerians to access online betting services.
Despite this growth, the industry faces challenges involving regulatory oversight, underage gambling, addiction and consumer protection.
Nigeria’s position highlights the importance of balancing the commercial opportunities of digital gambling with policies that protect consumers.
Kenya Records 16% Online Gambling Participation
Kenya ranks fourth, with 16% of internet users participating in online gambling monthly. The country has a well-established mobile money ecosystem, particularly through M-Pesa, which has helped support the growth of digital transactions across different sectors.
This financial infrastructure has contributed to the accessibility of online betting services. Football remains a major attraction, while other digital gaming products have also gained visibility among consumers.
Kenya’s experience demonstrates how mobile financial services and widespread smartphone adoption can influence the development of online gambling markets.
Nevertheless, regulatory authorities continue to face the challenge of ensuring that gambling operators comply with licensing requirements and responsible gambling standards.
Morocco Records 7.3%
Morocco records the lowest online gambling participation rate among the five African countries in the survey, at 7.3%. Its position contrasts sharply with South Africa, which leads the comparison at 32.3%.
Differences in market regulation, cultural attitudes, digital consumer behaviour and the availability of gambling services may help explain the gap.
Morocco’s gambling environment also differs from that of many sub-Saharan African countries, making direct comparisons more complicated.
Its participation figure should therefore be understood within the context of the country’s particular regulatory and social environment.
What Is Driving the Growth of Online Gambling in Africa?
Several factors are contributing to the expansion of online gambling across African markets.
1. Increasing Smartphone Adoption
Improvements in smartphone adoption and digital infrastructure have made gambling platforms more accessible across Africa.
As smartphone ownership continues to increase, more consumers are exposed to digital betting services.
2. Growing Interest in Football
Football is one of Africa’s most popular sports, with millions of supporters following domestic leagues and international competitions.
The popularity of European football leagues, particularly the English Premier League, has helped create demand for sports betting across countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.
3. Mobile Money and Digital Payments
Digital payment systems have simplified financial transactions across many African countries.
Services such as M-Pesa in Kenya and mobile banking platforms in Nigeria and Ghana have helped make online transactions more convenient.
4. A Young and Connected Population
Africa has one of the world’s youngest populations. Its growing number of digitally connected young adults represents an important audience for online entertainment and gaming platforms.
However, ensuring that gambling services remain restricted to eligible adults is essential.
How Big Is Africa’s Online Gambling Industry?
Beyond participation rates, Africa’s online gambling industry has become a substantial commercial market. A 2026 report by Gaming Compliance International estimates that Africa’s online gambling industry generated approximately $23 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025.
However, only $5.2 billion, representing 23% of the estimated market, came from licensed operators. The remaining $17.8 billion was attributed to unregulated operators.
The report also estimates that approximately 215 million Africans interacted with online gambling platforms in 2025, compared with 198 million in 2024. These figures illustrate the scale of the industry and the importance of effective regulation.
It is worth distinguishing these market estimates from the GWI participation survey: they measure different things and should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
The Challenges Facing Africa’s Online Gambling Industry
Although online gambling creates commercial opportunities, its rapid expansion presents several challenges.
- Problem gambling: Easy access to betting platforms can expose vulnerable individuals to financial losses and gambling-related harm.
- Regulatory differences: Gambling laws vary considerably across African countries. Some have established licensing frameworks, while others have restrictions or regulatory gaps.
- Unlicensed operators: Offshore and unregulated platforms can operate outside local consumer protection systems, making it difficult for authorities to monitor their activities.
- Underage gambling: Protecting minors from accessing gambling services remains an important responsibility for operators and regulators.
Addressing these challenges will be essential if African countries want to develop sustainable and properly regulated digital gambling industries.
The Future of Online Gambling in Africa
Africa’s online gambling market is likely to remain influenced by smartphone adoption, internet connectivity, digital payments and the popularity of sports.
South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya already demonstrate significant participation in online betting, although their regulatory systems and consumer behaviours differ.
The next phase of growth will depend not only on market expansion but also on how effectively governments regulate operators, protect consumers and address gambling-related harm.
As digital services become more accessible, the distinction between regulated and unregulated gambling platforms will become increasingly important.
Ultimately, Africa’s online gambling industry represents a growing part of the continent’s digital economy, but its long-term development will depend on responsible participation and effective oversight.
