ANALYSIS: MultiChoice striving to rule Africas sports betting sector

Mobile penetration in Africa is among the highest in the world, and mobile devices are the primary means of accessing the internet. This presents a significant opportunity for iGaming and betting operators to develop mobile-first platforms that cater to the unique needs of African players. With a population of over 1.2 billion people, Africa has a vast untapped market for iGaming and betting. The region’s growing middle class and increased access to mobile devices and the internet are expected to further fuel growth. By incorporating elements such as rewards, badges, and leaderboards, sports betting apps can keep users engaged and interested. “Given its focus on online betting, which has stronger economics than its agency business, BetKing Nigeria has moved to number two in the online betting market.

Satellite Service Keeps Airports Online During Outages

As of the current date, South Africa has over 30 online sports betting sites that have been licensed and approved by their relevant provinces. Technological innovations have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of sports betting in South Africa. The development of sophisticated betting platforms and mobile betting apps in league with the Betway app https://betika.win/ has revolutionised how bettors engage with sports events. These apps offer a seamless betting experience, providing real-time odds, live streaming of events and instant transaction processing.

NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD WARNS AGAINST GAMBLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET IN ‘JANUWORRY’

• Many African countries still have low levels of financial inclusion, with a significant proportion of the population lacking access to traditional banking services.
• 145 million active accounts versus 298 million globally, USD 1.7 billion in transactions volume versus 2.4 billion globally and 26.8 billion in transaction value versus 40.8 billion globally (4).
• Online gambling has also become a sector of interest for several foreign investors in other African countries.
• All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster.
• In terms of sports betting, South Africa has witnessed a remarkable evolution from traditional methods to the integration of cutting-edge technology that merits closer examination.
• We offer a Self Check Quiz that will allow you to determine whether you have a gambling problem.
• Take your opportunity to participate in the African sports betting world.
• As part of our analysis of the online gambling sector in Africa, we find it necessary to elaborate on the great role live casino games have played in the expansion of the industry throughout the continent.

Prior to 1996, all gambling in South Africa was illegal except for betting on horse races. The Constitution then established that gambling and wagering were legally competent, and so it became necessary to coordinate matters on a provincial and national level. The Legal LandscapeThe legality of sports betting in South Africa is a relatively recent development. While horse racing betting has been a constant for decades, the National Gambling Act of 2004 opened the doors for a wider range of sports to be included. In Uganda, the regulatory online gambling act was promulgated as the Lotteries and Gaming Act was released in 2016. And although there are no actual stipulations that actually refer to online gambling, the legalisation of sportsbooks has been formally licensed by the Ugandan National Gaming Board.

Government Pays R6 million From Spaza Shop Fund

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.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

While sports betting has become increasingly normalised, concerns persist regarding its potential negative consequences, such as problem gambling and addiction. Efforts by the Betway app and other conscientious platforms promote responsible gambling behaviour and provide support services for those affected by gambling-related harm, and have become essential components of the evolving landscape. GRIPP Advisory has a vast amount of collective experience in providing advisory services to the gambling industry of South Africa and other African countries. It’s crucial to remember that while online sports betting is legal, online casinos and other forms of interactive gambling remain restricted. While traditional sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket will likely be mainstays of the sports betting sector for some time to come in South Africa, a growing number of niche sports are attracting bettors too. Whether it’s table tennis, darts, mixed martial arts, or the rise of celebrity boxing bouts, all have attracted growing interest from punters.

Excise duty hike imperils small businesses, beer industry says

• Betting GGR rose by 14.3% in 2016, raising its share of total GGR to 19% from 17% in 2015.
• All of our suggested betting sites cover almost every sport and punters are encouraged to use those which they find most comfortable.
• This encourages more South Africans to bet safely, securely and ultimately responsibly.
• “Given its focus on online betting, which has stronger economics than its agency business, BetKing Nigeria has moved to number two in the online betting market.
• An increasing number of people now enjoy sports betting online so it looks set to be an industry that will grow from strength to strength.
• The governments of several African countries have already passed regulatory acts which offer further hope for future developments and reforms taking place on the continent.
• Mobile penetration in Africa is among the highest in the world, and mobile devices are the primary means of accessing the internet.

In the realm of cricket, Betway became the title sponsor of the SA20 cricket competition in January 2023. This strategic partnership aims to elevate cricket as South Africa’s premier sport and entertainment brand, reflecting Betway’s commitment to fostering the growth of cricket in the country. Additionally, Betway serves as the Official Betting Partner of the Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team.

• Its success is rooted in strategic market entry, robust sponsorships, innovative partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to responsible gambling.
• The main focus of betting is among young people under the age of 25, most of whom, moreover, are unemployed and see betting as an opportunity to get good winnings.
• Digital credit makes this activity possible or significantly reduces the friction in the process.
• There has been rapid growth of women punters regularly betting in recent years, growing from 20% of new acquisitions in 2021 to 40% in 2023.
• They could improve, though, like by adding more live fight streams or simplifying things for beginners.
• While mobile penetration is high, internet access is still limited in many parts of Africa.

For more trusted bookmakers please also see our full bookmaker listing on Best Betting Sites. Despite rising costs of living and economic pressures, gambling has gained popularity, particularly due to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet access. Advertising from betting companies further fuels this trend, increasing participation within this demographic. South Africans place more than  R1 trillion in bets annually, with R700 billion spent on sports betting alone.

LATEST NEWS

We offer a Self Check Quiz that will allow you to determine whether you have a gambling problem. Many African countries still have low levels of financial inclusion, with a significant proportion of the population lacking access to traditional banking services. This presents a challenge for iGaming and betting operators who rely on traditional payment methods. The lack of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks for iGaming and betting in many African countries presents a significant challenge for the industry.

Latest Horse Racing Topics

Furthermore improving accessibility and convenience for users is having a specific mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones. Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site. There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites.

Betting Sites in South Africa

Subsequent amendments and regulations have further shaped the industry, confirming consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. This was a turning point for the betting industry in South Africa, as the legalisation of horse racing led to the establishment of many racetracks and the creation of a regulated betting industry. This not only provided a safe and controlled environment for people to bet on horse racing, but it also generated significant tax revenue for the government. Includes betting on sports events and horse racing where punters are essentially betting on the outcome of the particular event. For this, punters can analyse various factors that could increase the odds of their bet being successful.

• One morning I sat at a machine with the hope of winning but instead lost R5 000 in 2 hours.
• Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site.
• We recommend that more study on sports betting and digital credit to be done so that more evidence of this thesis is uncovered.
• These regulations distinguish between online gambling and online betting.
• Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
• Betting on the go, whenever and wherever we are, is getting increasingly popular.

How to Make the Most of Online Casino Bonuses in 2025

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. The NGB’s strategic intent is to sustain and grow its regulatory capability to position South Africa as the pre-eminent jurisdiction with an exemplary and effectively regulated gambling industry. Is responsible for the oversight of the regulation of the gambling industry throughout the country and to preserve the integrity of South Africa as a responsible global citizen.

Furthermore, integration with digital payment systems has facilitated secure and convenient transactions for bettors. The convenience of placing bets from a smartphone or computer has transformed the betting landscape, making it more accessible than ever. Top sports betting sites in South Africa offer a range of options, from live betting to virtual games, catering to a wide array of preferences. Initially, it was restricted primarily to horse racing, which has been a popular pastime since the 18th century. Over the years, the scope of betting expanded to include other sports like soccer, rugby, and cricket, which are immensely popular in South Africa.

Nevertheless, there are a few references that give us a satisfying backstory. Marshalls World of Sport is a National Group, suggesting people’s betting on Horse Racing, local or international sport and Lucky Numbers. Relates to various typesof gambling conducted online including poker, slot games, bingo and others. These gamesare influenced more so by probabilities with significantly less ability to analyse the game.

NEWS ANALYSIS: MultiChoice may be doing better than global peers and avoid jobs bloodbath

Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent. Online gambling has also become a sector of interest for several foreign investors in other African countries. There is an ongoing legal conflict between the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lotteries Board, as both organisations are trying to impose regulations and collect licensing taxes.

All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster. Among the popular bookmakers in Africa is the famous Parimatch, which allows you to place bets on popular world events, as well as African championships and competitions. The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors. Digital credit and specifically mobile money credit has grown leaps and bounds since they were introduced in East Africa.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling. Betway places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling, ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting safe betting practices. The company is accredited by international testing agency eCOGRA and supports the Responsible Gambling Trust, reflecting its dedication to ethical operations. This commitment has fostered trust and loyalty among its user base, establishing Betway as a reputable and reliable platform in the South African betting industry. With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years. There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.

Our reviews will also support you to decide where and on what you want to bet. Unlike investing, gambling is based purely on luck, yet many believe they can develop a winning approach. The truth is that the house edge ensures that bookmakers maintain a profit over time. 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. To diversify and enrich its platform, Betway has engaged in strategic collaborations with leading gaming content providers. In August 2024, Betway partnered with Play’n GO, introducing popular gaming titles such as “Book of Dead” and “Rise of Olympus” to the South African market.

This ideally can be led by the regulatory authorities from the East African countries and hopefully this will encourage good credit lending practices and better consumer education. From the time gambling was introduced in East Africa it was a niche activity enjoyed by a few participants in society mostly foreigners and specific groups. It was not a main stream activity but mainly confined to casinos with expatriates and elites making up the bulk of their customers (1). There were also national lotteries mostly having the general public as users running in the East African countries which people bought tickets and wait for the draws to see if they won. Now being able to place wagers on mobile phones there has been an explosion of the popularity of sports betting.

Luxury Hospitality And Sports Betting: Examining The Evolving Convergence Of Two Experience-Driven Industries

If you’re wondering whether sports betting and online gambling is legal in South Africa, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to help you gain a better understanding of the history of sports betting and also clear up any confusion about a number of the rules currently in place. From the very beginning, the country has put rushing limitations on gambling (including sports betting) since 1673.

Currently, South Africa is by far the most developed online betting market on the continent, with several financial experts expecting its gross revenue to surpass $2.3-billion by the end of 2022. While mobile penetration is high, internet access is still limited in many parts of Africa. This can be a barrier to entry for iGaming and betting operators who rely on the internet to deliver their services. Many African countries are currently revising their regulatory frameworks for iGaming and betting, with the aim of creating a more conducive environment for the industry. This presents an opportunity for iGaming and betting operators to enter new markets and expand their operations in the region. Gamification, or the incorporation of game-like elements, such as competition, points, rewards, and interactive features, into non-game contexts, can help reverse that.

This activity is legal if it is practiced through betting companies who are appropriately licensed in South Africa for online betting. These licenced companies also offer various products that look like online gambling, however, the betting is structured in a way that it falls under sports/fixed odds betting regulations and licensing. The constitutional government won office in 1994 and regularized various kinds of gambling. The National Gambling Act rolled out standard procedures for monitoring betting activities in 1996. The National Gambling Act of 2004 made the switch to the 1996 Act and limited interactive gambling activities involved with poker, casino, and bingo. However, online horse racing and sports betting are 100 % legal in South Africa in the case that the website or bookmaker holds a license to run such activities.