A recent survey across Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda found that a remarkable 94 percent of gamblers in these countries prefer mobile betting. This trend highlights the profound impact of mobile technology on the betting industry throughout Africa.
Ghana is particularly distinguished in this mobile betting movement, with 41.7 percent of its population reported to have placed a sports bet in the past year. Research shows that over 95 percent of Ghanaian sports bettors utilize internet and mobile apps for their wagers. In 2022, Ghana’s online gambling market was valued at more than $57 million, with projections estimating growth to around $74 million by 2029.
This shift toward mobile betting is largely due to the increasing prevalence of smartphones and the rise of mobile money platforms. The integration of these technologies has fundamentally changed how people engage with gambling in Ghana. For instance, a bettor in Accra or Kumasi can place a wager using a mobile app, fund their account via mobile wallet, and receive live results without needing a bank account or visiting a betting shop.
In contrast, online gambling operates differently in regions like Israel, where casinos cater to local preferences. Israeli platforms often combine international game offerings with local payment methods, providing Hebrew support and accepting e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies. This ensures user privacy and reliable payouts for those gambling from home.
In Ghana, the survey indicates that small-stake betting is the norm. A significant portion of bettors 38% spend between $10 and $25 monthly, while 43 percent wager under $10. Only a small minority bets larger amounts, reflecting a steep drop-off at higher stakes.
The infrastructure for mobile connectivity in Ghana is crucial for this betting surge. By the end of 2025, it’s projected there will be 38.3 million active cellular connections in the country, outnumbering the total population and suggesting that many individuals possess multiple devices or SIM cards.
Football remains the most popular betting choice, with 60 percent of African respondents indicating they primarily bet on football matches in a 2025 survey. Additionally, crash-style games like Aviator have risen to prominence, accounting for 24% of bets, an impressive leap from previous years.
The convergence of mobile technology, affordable data plans, and digital wallets has made betting easily accessible, particularly appealing to younger demographics across the continent. Ghana’s betting sector is regulated by the Gaming Commission and operates under the Gaming Act 2006, establishing a structured framework for licensing and operations.
source: Geopoll
