Gauteng Gambling Board Gambling Industry Regulators


betting in africa

Online gambling is prohibited if practiced through a South African based platform. It is uncertain whether this type of gambling will ever become legal in South Africa. The more you know about the sport, the better your chances of making a successful bet. For beginners who are just starting to devote their time to betting, betting tips are available on the Internet. Parimatch also contributes to the development of betting in Africa – on the bookmaker’s website you can easily find information on how to bet and win every day.

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  • In the sports betting scene, live betting has grown to be a common element; many South African gamblers like making bets during events.
  • In June 2021, the group paid $281.5m to increase its stake in BetKing, a digital and sports entertainment platform that focuses on Africa, to 49%.
  • Not all online sports book sites offer this feature yet and we highlight relevant bookmakers.
  • Please ensure you play at a betting site with a South African gaming license and not in one of the many online casinos.
  • Hence, nowadays, African citizens represent over 11.5% of the overall internet users in the world.

Once they are addicted then all rational thought goes and it’s a case of good money chasing after bad (12). Digital credit makes this activity possible or significantly reduces the friction in the process. We can also note that a poor saving culture is among some of the attributes leading to indulgence in sport betting (14). We recommend that more study on sports betting and digital credit to be done so that more evidence of this thesis is uncovered.

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  • For instance, when odds are at -110 on both sides of a bet, a bettor must risk R110 to win R100, meaning even skilled bettors face a statistical disadvantage in the long run.
  • The legalization of sports betting in the 1990s marked a significant turn, leading to the establishment of licensed betting shops and later, online betting services.
  • This alliance added premium casino and live casino games to Betway’s South African platform, providing users with a comprehensive and engaging gaming experience.
  • Policymakers on the African continent are also expected to start contemplating the same issue as more people take up betting, driven by the internet on the continent.
  • In addition, using special deals for South Africans can increase the value of your bets.

These bonuses benefit the bettors more than merely improve the betting experience. In the sports betting scene, live betting has grown to be a common element; many South African gamblers like making bets during events. Betting services with in-play betting let users stake wagers on events as they are happening, therefore adding thrill and involvement to the process. For punters, live betting is a must have real-time updates, odds adjustments, and thorough match statistics. After all, we can make a prediction that it has come from the times of gladiator games or even earlier.

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Sports betting has become popular in Africa relatively recently, but it is gaining momentum every year. If at first, the African betting market had certain drawbacks due to the specifics of the continent and legislation, today the betting system is as close as possible to the European one in terms of transparency. Take your opportunity to participate in the African sports betting world. Blackjack uses the international 52-card deck without jokers, with several variations of the original game being present in several online casinos which are active in Africa. Being quite possibly the most popular casino game from all over the world, Live Blackjack is the favourite table game of several gambling enthusiasts who are looking for a thrilling gaming experience.

Live Games

The legalization of sports betting in the 1990s marked a significant turn, leading to the establishment of licensed betting shops and later, online betting services. The range of betting options on a betting website is among the most crucial aspects one ought to look for. From the country favorites like rugby and cricket to worldwide sports like football and specialized events, South African bettors have a broad spectrum of sports to choose from. The finest betting sites provide several betting markets, such as match winners, player props, or even live event betting, so as to accommodate these tastes. A reputable sportsbook would have a large selection of markets for both pre-match betting and live betting, thereby allowing bettors lots of options to stake wagers on ongoing events. The exceptions to this rule are province licensed horse racing and online sports betting.

As Afrirent Holdings enters the West African market, it is focusing on responsible gaming practices and community engagement, demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact in the region’s gaming and entertainment sector. With a reputation for excellence and a dedication to social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings aims to create value, foster economic development, and empower local communities in West Africa. On the assumption of pretty recent research 60 million locals of SA in the age group of 18 – 40 are active sports gamblers.

Mobile Betting

  • Hollywood Bets started with its Spina Zonke games, Supabets followed by adding Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil slots and moreover quite recently NetEnt and Red Tiger.
  • Blue Lake Ventures, which traded as BetKing, subsequently changed its name to KingMakers.
  • For those who feel their gambling habits might be affecting their financial well-being, Manyike advises seeking support.
  • Being quite possibly the most popular casino game from all over the world, Live Blackjack is the favourite table game of several gambling enthusiasts who are looking for a thrilling gaming experience.

In June 2021, the group paid $281.5m to increase its stake in BetKing, a digital and sports entertainment platform that focuses on Africa, to 49%. Blue Lake Ventures, which traded as BetKing, subsequently changed its name to KingMakers. Of the total, betting generated 60.5% of industry GGR at R35.9bn, with casinos leading the charge, at R17.4bn, about 29% of the pie. There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years. There was sizeable growth in the average bet size during 2023, a sign that South Africans had no doubts about the prospects of the Springboks. Basketball is also popular with South African punters and is appealing to bettors who have the appetite to risk more per bet.

  • Although it might not be accessible for every game, the availability of live streaming for important events lets bettors view games and make informed decisions when live betting.
  • Keen to know how best to pull off a betting slam dunk in the NBA playoffs?
  • The regulation of the online branch of this industry has been beneficial for both the government, which welcomes an increase in tax revenue, and the population, which welcomes the addition of new and exciting leisure activities.
  • With an increasing number of players embracing digital technology and mobile devices, online gambling and betting is expected to be the future of the gaming industry in Africa.
  • From the country favorites like rugby and cricket to worldwide sports like football and specialized events, South African bettors have a broad spectrum of sports to choose from.
  • By contrast, just 27% of South Africans have access to a desktop in the house.

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In 1965, the Gambling Act prohibited diverse types of sports betting except for horse racing. Horse racing was considered more like a sporting activity than a betting one. The country has come through a couple of steps in betting legalization in the country. As a regulatory authority, we play a pivotal role in fostering responsible gambling practices, protecting vulnerable individuals, and promoting a fair and transparent gaming environment. In Mark Tipping’s experience, most online betting frauds can only be realised once payment is made to the fraudster.

betting in africa

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According to 2022 statistics data, Nigeria has the largest population and gross domestic product in all of Africa. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the country is currently the most profitable gambling market in sub-Saharan Africa, which translates to an average of 7% of the continent total. And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years. The progressive growth of economic prosperity in numerous African countries has become undeniably visible over the last quarter-century. The assistance and support I have received from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has been invaluable .

Its success is rooted in strategic market entry, robust sponsorships, innovative partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to responsible gambling. This narrative explores Betway’s journey, highlighting key milestones and strategies that have solidified its position in the South African market. Marshalls World of Sport has given a suggestion on the most profitable odds on Horse Racing, Sports and Lucky Numbers for more than 50 years . The Company has developed to become one of the most trustworthy and fast-moving bookmaking groups in South Africa. Marshalls World of Sport gives the opportunities of placing bets on Horse Racing and international sporting events using different ways such as internet, mobile phone and even several cash outlets.

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  • We currently have over 15 digital platforms in South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana And Nigeria and we reach millions of monthly unique youth visitors every month.
  • These days the best online betting sites do not only offer you sports and lotteries to bet on.
  • There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites.
  • However, not every well-known bookmaker offers its services on the continent.
  • There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years.
  • Particularly if you want to cash out your gains, quick withdrawals and deposits are also absolutely vital.
  • The full list of free bets and welcome bonus offers are listed on this page above.

By focusing on these areas, Betway has not only captured a significant market share but also set a benchmark for excellence in the competitive world of online betting. In a bold move to expand its influence and footprint in Africa, Afrirent Holdings, a renowned investment company led by Senzo Tsabedze, is venturing into the vibrant gaming, lottery, and betting market of West Africa. With a history of success and a strong presence in South Africa, Afrirent Holdings is now setting its sights on the exciting opportunities offered by the dynamic entertainment sector in the West African region. Right up until 1996, any punters wanting to gamble on horse racing had to do it at the track. After 1996, it became possible for players to gamble online and horse betting is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa.

The main provider is the WCGRB, Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, but there are actually a licensing board located in each province. So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally. No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income. Further laws were passed in 2010 that made online gambling on servers located outside of the country illegal. Unless the gambling website offered other online gambling services as well as sports betting.

betting in africa

By simply clicking a few buttons most people with a mobile money account are able to request for a micro loan which is credited to their mobile money accounts from the various service providers. Providers of mobile money credit in both countries are many with the likes of MShwari, KCB MPesa, Equity Eazzy, Tala, MCoop Cash and Branch being among the popular ones. Within a few seconds the borrowers are credited the money after accepting the terms and conditions of the loan. In Kenya 54% of active mobile money users have an outstanding mobile money loan while the figure is 60% in Tanzania.

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However, the rapid growth of online betting and gaming has also raised concerns about the potential for problem gambling and the need for effective regulation. The government has taken steps to address these concerns, by introducing measures to prevent underage gambling and to ensure that online betting and gaming operators are operating in a fair and responsible manner. Before 1965, all forms of betting and gambling were illegal in South Africa, with the government viewing the activities as a threat to public morality. Despite this, illegal betting and gambling continued to thrive, with many people finding ways to wager on horse racing and other sports. However, this changed in 1965 when the government legalised horse racing, making it the first form of legal gambling in the country. Although the gambling industry overall continued to grow from a revenue perspective in 2016, the growth rate was significantly lower than increases experienced during the past couple of years.

This, along with the addition of ESPN, have contributed to a spike in betting on US sports,” says Chelin. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through UFC events, offers a distinct betting landscape compared to boxing. MMA fights can end in multiple betting tanzania ways such as knockout, submission, or decision. What makes Betway particularly attractive is the competitive welcome bonus of up to R1,000 for new sign-ups, enhancing the initial betting experience.

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The main goal of the game is to create a hand nearer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. Until 2004, all gambling activities were strictly banned on Nigerian territory. The future of the online casino industry is still unclear, but it will certainly be conditioned by future legal decisions that can either tempt or discourage investors to take a chance on the Kenyan market. Hence, the evolution of the online gambling market has been indefintely stalled for the moment, with only a few companies willing to still take a chance on the Kenyan market. It started off as entertainment, for months it was fun until I slowly started sinking in debt’s.

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Whether you’re just cutting your teeth in sports betting, or consider yourself the grandmaster of online betting, as a SunBet patron, you’re never alone. We highlight the best betting sites that offer you fast loading slots that are especially developed for mobile gameplay. Betway’s ascent in South Africa’s betting industry underscores the importance of strategic planning, cultural alignment, and ethical practices in building a successful brand.

Now, with the advent of online betting, you can place bets from the comfort of your own home. This has made it much easier for people to get involved in sports betting. Bettors can use betting apps like the hollywood bet app or betting websites. One of the main reasons is that online sports betting is now legal in South Africa. Second, there are more and more sports betting sites available to South Africans.

This sport has grown by 75% since 2022 and is popular amongst people who are willing and able to risk larger amounts per bet, around R700 per bet. A hugely popular sport in the country, cricket continues to hold its own at every level. South African bookmakers regularly offer no deposit free bets to new customers and existing ones too. You can grab a free bet by keeping tabs on the promotions section of Bets.co.za.

Mobile accessibility

If online gambling ever gets the green light to operate in South Africa, online operators would be wise to implement strong controls to prevent and detect fraud. Africa is considered a technology-limited continent, which means it is cut off from the rest of the online world. However, the situation has changed dramatically in recent years thanks to the rapid development of Internet connectivity in Africa. More than two-thirds of African people have access to high-speed mobile Internet today. All this greatly expands the possibilities of participating in international online sports betting, as well as allows you to place bets on your favourite African teams.

  • The primary responsibility of such organizations is to ensure safety in the industry.
  • The Act made provisions for the regulation of activities relating to gambling and uniform standards were introduced.
  • It switches our player protection approach from reactive to proactive, and allows players to receive the intervention they need in real time, not after the fact.
  • The National Gambling Board is responsible for the oversight of the regulation in the gambling industry throughout the country and to preserve the integrity of South Africa as a responsible global citizen.
  • Fast withdrawal sites—especially those using e-wallets and cryptocurrencies—make the betting experience far more fulfilling.
  • In instances where non – South African punters are prohibited by Bookmakers from betting, these processes make it more difficult for these players to withdraw money from the platform without being detected.
  • Unlike investing, gambling is based purely on luck, yet many believe they can develop a winning approach.

In South Africa, gambling is heavily regulated by the National Gambling Act, No. 7 of 2004 and the National Gambling Board, as well as provincial gambling regulations. Gambling and betting companies therefore hold operating licences with provincial gambling boards. These regulations distinguish between online gambling and online betting.

Afrirent acquires a majority stake in High Street Auction

Unlike boxing, which focuses solely on punches, MMA incorporates striking, grappling, and ground fighting, influencing how odds are set and bets are made. The local market is dominated by Betway, Hollywoodbets, PlayaBets and Easybet. Slots and Aviator are growing rapidly, both at over 100% per annum, and stand to become the games of preference to the average person in SouthAfrica. SportsBoom brings you all the best of SA rugby, from the latest news to exclusive interviews.