The sports betting industry in Africa has emerged as one of the continent’s most active and profitable sectors. Millions of users participate in betting through mobile apps, websites, and betting shops. This thriving market continues to attract attention from investors, regulators, and researchers alike.
Key Drivers of Growth
The expansion of sports betting across Africa is primarily driven by:
- Young Population: A large, youthful demographic eager to engage with digital platforms.
- Improving Internet Access: Increasing connectivity has opened up betting opportunities across the continent.
- Smartphone Penetration: Widespread use of mobile devices has made it easier than ever for people to place bets at any time.
According to GeoPoll’s April 2025 Betting in Africa survey, a significant percentage of Africans have tried sports betting at least once. When combined with mid-year 2025 population data from Worldometer, the immense scale of active bettors in certain countries becomes evident.
Top Sport Betting Hubs in Africa
While Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are often recognized as leaders in Africa’s betting economy, an analysis based on estimated active bettors reveals some surprising insights. The six leading African countries in this sector account for over 440 million bettors—a testament to the continent’s expansive market.
| Rank | Country | Mid-2025 Population | Betting Participation Rate | Estimated Sports Bettors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 237,527,782 | 71% | 168.7 million |
| 2 | South Africa | 64,747,319 | 90% | 58.3 million |
| 3 | Kenya | 57,532,493 | 79% | 45.5 million |
| 4 | Uganda | 51,384,894 | 87% | 44.7 million |
| 5 | Tanzania | 70,545,865 | 56% | 39.5 million |
| 6 | Ghana | 35,064,272 | 56% | 19.6 million |
- Nigeria: Leading by volume, Nigeria has over 168 million estimated bettors. This high number is largely influenced by the country’s vast population, even if the individual participation rate may be lower compared to others.
- Southern Africa (e.g., South Africa): Known for nearly saturated participation, countries in this region benefit from a robust regulatory framework and a deeply entrenched betting culture. Despite having a smaller population base, high engagement levels prevail.
- East Africa (e.g., Kenya and Uganda): These nations record some of the highest participation rates on the continent. Mobile technology—especially USSD and dedicated betting apps—plays a crucial role in ensuring widespread access, even in lower-income areas.
Together, these top six markets underscore the massive potential and scale of Africa’s sports betting economy.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
