Africa’s igaming boom: South Africa leads as Slotegrator unveils market-defining report

According to a new report, mobile betting is transforming Africa into a $17.63bn betting battleground with South Africa setting the pace.

Johannesburg, South Africa – Africa’s igaming industry is in overdrive and South Africa is riding in the front seat. In a new report released by software powerhouse Slotegrator, the continent’s online betting scene is pegged as one of the fastest-growing in the world, with a projected market value of $17.63bn by the end of 2025.

What’s fueling the fire? Think mobile-first strategies, a betting-obsessed population, rapid tech adoption and shifting regulations. Add a splash of football fever, and you’ve got a perfect storm for digital gambling success.

The report found the numbers were incredible with South Africa’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) jumping to R59.3bn ($3.14bn) in the 2023/2024 financial year. This equates to 25.7 per cent leap from the year before. Sports betting alone raked in R35.91bn ($1.90bn), with nearly R29bn ($1.54bn) of that coming from online platforms.

According to the report, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana are not far behind. It said Nigeria boasts a betting population of 60 million with an anticipated $3.63bn in revenues by the end of 2025. Kenya stands out with a 83.9 per cent of adults having placed a bet, while Ghana is expected to hit $57.42m.

Tanzania and Uganda round out the continent’s heavy hitters, with high daily betting rates and mobile money services like M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa revolutionising how users place wagers.

Slotgrator’s report also highlights four key drivers of Africa’s igaming momentum: mobile penetration, evolving regulations, a growing middle class and innovative payment methods.

“With Africa emerging as a global betting powerhouse, operators looking to enter these markets must tailor their strategies to local conditions,” said Slotegrator Sales Manager Ataur Abeer.

“This includes investing in mobile-friendly platforms, ensuring compliance with country-specific regulations and leveraging localised payment methods.”

Football betting is the continent’s golden goose, dominating across markets. And with mobile phones acting as casinos in your pocket, players from Johannesburg to Accra are betting on their favourite teams with just a tap.