Bola Group, the operator behind the Bolabet brand across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, has announced the launch of Chatbet, a pioneering WhatsApp-native sports betting product that the company says is the first of its kind in Africa. Developed in partnership with ChatLayer Media Technologies, the platform aims to redefine how sports fans interact with betting services across the continent.

Chatbet enables customers to place bets directly through WhatsApp conversations. Users can send a text message or voice note, receive real-time odds, and place wagers without leaving the messaging platform. The service eliminates the need for a dedicated betting app, web browser, or data-intensive platform, making sports betting more accessible to a broader audience.

Designed specifically for African markets, Chatbet addresses key challenges that continue to affect digital adoption, including high mobile data costs, smartphone limitations, and inconsistent internet access. By leveraging WhatsApp—one of the continent’s most widely used communication platforms—Bolabet hopes to lower barriers to entry and expand access to digital betting services.

Hilton Hasson, Group CEO of Bola Group, described the launch as a milestone for both the company and the wider African betting industry. “Our teams have spent six months developing something that has never existed in Africa before. WhatsApp is already in everyone’s pocket, data costs make traditional platforms a barrier, and sports betting in this market remains significantly underserved digitally. Chatbet addresses all three challenges,” said Hasson.

“The fact that it launches as the World Cup kicks off is no coincidence. This is the biggest sporting event on the planet, and we are the only operator on the continent where a fan can place a bet using a voice note. This represents a major step forward for sports betting in Africa.” The launch forms part of Bola Group’s broader customer acquisition and digital transformation strategy across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The company believes conversational betting technology will play an increasingly important role in the future of sports wagering, particularly in markets where mobile messaging platforms are deeply embedded in everyday life. Industry observers note that the introduction of WhatsApp-based betting could accelerate innovation among operators seeking new ways to engage customers while reducing friction in the betting journey.

The product’s voice-note functionality is also expected to improve accessibility for users who may be less comfortable navigating traditional betting interfaces. Chatbet is available immediately to customers in Zambia, with planned rollouts in Zimbabwe and Malawi scheduled for the coming months. Bola Group says additional features and market expansions are already under development as it continues to invest in mobile-first betting solutions tailored to African consumers.