Africa is emerging as a prime target for the online gambling industry. However, it is important to recognize that the continent is no stranger to the sector. Pioneers like Super Group's Betway have been active in the region since the early 2000s, a stark contrast to newer markets like Brazil and certain Latin American countries.
With the growing demand and interest in Africa, several longstanding brands that have established their presence in the continent’s key markets are already seeing substantial returns. This success is largely attributed to a youthful demographic, predominantly male, now enjoying improved access to cellular internet.
Prominent operators and countries have capitalized on pragmatic regulations and established land-based gaming environments, securing significant market share and size.
South Africa currently leads the continent with the largest online gambling market. According to H2 Gambling Capital, the gross win for 2025 is projected to exceed $5.2 billion (£3.9 billion), positioning it nearly five times larger than Nigeria, Africa's second-largest gambling market at $1.6 billion in gross win for the same year. Online gambling comprises 63% of South Africa's total gross win, amounting to $3.26 billion.
When measured against global benchmarks, South Africa ranks as the 22nd largest market by revenue, just behind Romania, which is expected to generate $5.56 billion in gross win by 2025. H2 Gambling Capital forecasts South Africa's online market to approach $5.9 billion by the end of 2030.
Despite the evident opportunities, Peter Kesitilwe, CEO of the African iGaming Alliance (AIA), warns that challenges persist. He identifies over-regulation by policymakers as a significant risk that can push consumers toward offshore alternatives. The AIA, formed in 2025, aims to foster better cooperation across Africa between regulators and operators, addressing key issues like the black market and responsible gambling practices.
Olabimpe Akingba, board member of the AIA and head of responsible gaming at pawaTech, which operates betPawa, notes that rising taxes are encouraging black-market growth, particularly withholding taxes on players that licensed operators struggle to enforce.
“Those taxes particularly drive players to the black market because they are hard to impose on illegal operators,
