Mobile payment apps fuel Africa’s $17.63bn betting industry growth
Services such as M-Pesa in Kenya and OPay in Nigeria enable users to directly deposit funds into their betting accounts and withdraw winnings through simple mobile transactions.
Nigeria.- In 2025, Africa’s betting industry recorded strong growth, with one of the key drivers being the widespread use of mobile money, which has made placing wagers and receiving winnings more convenient. Due to their ease of use and accessibility, mobile payment apps have emerged as a preferred channel for bettors, helping to drive activity across the region’s gambling market.
For example, services such as M-Pesa in Kenya and OPay in Nigeria enable users to directly deposit funds into their betting accounts and withdraw winnings through simple mobile transactions, expanding participation among customers outside the formal financial system. This shift helped the market grow to $17.63bn (€16.22bn), drawing in more than 440 million participants across the continent.
Mobile money integrates directly with betting apps, allowing fast and low-cost deposits and withdrawals. Kenyan bookmakers like SportPesa and Betika use M-Pesa, while Nigerian operators such as Bet9ja and NairaBet have adopted OPay or PalmPay for smooth payment processing. This setup suits small bets, often under $10 (€9.20), which fit the budgets of many young users.
With Africa’s young population, many in their 20s and 30s, seeking entertainment tied to sports they follow closely, affordable data and mobile phones have made betting accessible anytime, even in rural areas. The surge in activity has driven higher wagering volumes and revenues for operators. For example, last year, Betway reported generating about 63 per cent of its US$517m (€475.64m) first-quarter revenue from Africa, supported by a strong presence in at least six countries.
Despite boosting the gambling sector, critics warn that mobile money’s simplicity in funding accounts may fuel problem gambling, especially among young people or individuals without strong financial controls.
To address these risks, industry stakeholders and regulators are increasingly emphasising responsible gambling campaigns that educate users about limits, self-exclusion options and safe betting practices. As mobile money continues to reshape Africa’s gambling sector, finding the right balance between convenience and protection will be critical to sustaining long-term growth.
