iGaming in Africa: The Rise of a Billion-Dollar Market and Its Undercurrents

The gambling business in Africa is quickly transforming itself into a niche leisure activity. The development of smartphones, mobile payments and an interest in sports have turned the continent into one of the fastest-growing iGaming markets in the world. But behind the scenes business is a complicated question of regulation and social responsibility.

One of the most talked-about players in the African online gambling market remains 1x, a platform that combines sports betting and casino. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, the availability of mobile payments, and a wide selection of sporting events.

Mobile Boom and Young Audience

Statista forecasts that the online gambling industry in Africa will have a value of about $1.85 billion in 2024, and the figure will continue to grow steadily at an average of 6.3% per year through 2028.

South Africa is still in the lead. Total gross gambling income in the 2023-2024 financial year is around R59.3 billion $3.3 billion at the average exchange rate of the period). Which is an increase of 25.7% compared to the previous year.

Such success has a simple explanation: technology. Mobile internet penetration has become reality even in villages. We are seeing a decrease in cost of data and an increase in the number of smartphones. Online betting allows millions of users not to open their laptops or leave their houses.

Sports betting in Africa continues to gain popularity, with more and more players using mobile platforms. Today, you can place your bets on 1xbet now, placing them quickly and conveniently directly from your phone. This demonstrates how technology is changing player habits and accelerating market development.

Digital revolution and new habits

The second force is mobile money. In places such as Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria M-Pesa and MTN Mobile Money services have not only become a way of payment, but a new financial system. People are able to replenish their accounts, place bets, and even withdraw incomes without bank cards.

This has made iGaming not a niche activity anymore. It has become rampant, common, and nearly domestic. Most payments in the industry rely on digital wallets, like M-Pesa, MTN Mobile Money. According to SCCG Management experts, one of the key criteria for the development of the African gambling market is the development of mobile finance.

Regulation: From Prohibitions to Balancing Acts

The laws of the different African nations have not yet adapted to reality. South Africa has a strict licensing regime. Kenya is tightening its tax policy, and Ghana recently banned bookmakers from being located near schools and churches.

Regulators are trying to find a balance between economic benefits and the need to protect vulnerable groups. Particular attention should be paid to teenagers and low-income people, who can easily turn betting into an addiction.

How the industry is changing

Many large operators are already implementing responsible gaming tools. This isn’t just about ethics, but also about survival. Users who feel in control stay longer.

Among the most notable practices:

• self-limiting and temporary account bans;
• mandatory reminders about playtime and loss limits;
• collaboration with NGOs working with problem gamblers.

Such measures are becoming standard, especially in countries with strong oversight, such as South Africa or Nigeria.

Money, Technology and the Future

The market will keep on expanding in the years to come. They are primarily esports, microbetting, and customized mobile apps. But the growth may create its own problems: a shadow economy, fraud, and increased youth debt.

According to the experts, the future of African iGaming will not be based on the volume of investments, but on trust. Open licenses, equitable payment, and protection of player information will be central in success.

Algorithms that can identify addiction according to behavioral patterns are already tested by companies. This will bring us one step closer to a time when artificial intelligence will aid players in not falling into money holes they cannot afford.

Responsible gaming as part of culture

The industry’s main problem is not bans and taxes, but the creation of a new gaming culture in which gambling is an emotion, not a way to make money.

As in any other entertainment industry, common sense is essential: limits, awareness, and the understanding that the casino or bookmaker always wins.

While the iGaming market in Africa is growing, only those that learn to combine innovation with the protection of their citizens will be able to benefit from this growth.