In places like Canada, the government is beginning to legalize gambling and sports betting. However, African countries have already been embracing online gaming for the past several years. The continent is expected to be home to some of the largest betting and gaming operators in the next decade.

Mobile gambling represents the lion's share of iGaming in Africa, with steady growth and diversification expected in the coming years. The exponential growth is due to the increasing availability of high-speed internet connectivity in a region. Previously the continent had lagged behind technologically. Africa is steadily reaping the benefits of the new internet infrastructure. 

Africa is the world's second-most populous continent, with the world's largest youth population. These figures represent a fertile ground in terms of online gaming and betting. When it comes to Africa's massively growing online betting market, the Sub-Saharan region currently has the upper hand, with South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya far ahead of the pack. Other emerging landscapes like Congo are closely following suit. 

Just as the online betting and gaming industries are expanding globally, it is worth discussing the industry's rise and regulatory frameworks on the lucrative African continent. 

Gambling and Online Gaming Trends in Congo

Gambling accessibility and popularity in Congo are at an all-time high, thanks to the introduction of 5G technology and low-cost internet access. Casino and online gaming in Congo has long been overseen by COGELO, also known as Congo Lottery Management. COGELO is the official body in charge of betting and online gambling in the country. The regulatory body is actually a limited company fully supported by the Ministry of Finance, Public Portfolio, and Budget. The company was granted full jurisdiction over betting operations throughout the country.

The full jurisdiction of COGELO, however, does not prevent citizens from placing bets through foreign franchises. Due to the high government incentives and growing popularity of online betting among the country’s young population, many local players are attempting to provide eSports services.  PariDirect.com being the most recent addition to this constellation of new options.

In Congo, there are a number of regulated sports betting services available, with more expected as new players enter the highly sought-after market. Sports betting, casinos, bingo, and lotteries are among the products available. Congo is expected to emerge as the next major player in online gaming and betting. As the country's youth population steadily grows, many gaming operators will seek to establish a foothold in the promising market.

Ghana is Experiencing Rapid Growth in Online Betting and Gambling

In regards to online betting, gaming, and gambling, Ghana is only second to South Africa in terms of popularity. Statistics show that 27% of the country’s population actively participates in online gambling. The popularity of online betting in the West African nation is at an all-time high, owing to the country's youthful population, easy access to low-cost high speed internet, and the widespread availability of mobile and computer devices. The gambling scene in the country is also expected to grow by more than 12% over the next five years.

Many international online casinos have already established themselves in the Ghanaian gaming and betting landscape. International brands' successful penetration can only mean that the Gaming Commission of Ghana institutionalized under the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721). This act readily accommodates local and foreign brands that offer premium table games, slots, and sports betting.

Online Casino and Sports Betting Trends in Nigeria

Nigerians are renowned for their forward-thinking attitude in online spaces. With a population of over 200 million, the country is currently one of the leading hubs for online gaming and gambling operations in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019 alone, online gambling generated a net value of N50 billion (~$120 million) in revenue. These figures are expected to grow exponentially in the next decade. The government backs the industry by putting in place a central monitoring system and more international gaming franchises enter the market.

Many Nigerian players see casino and sports betting as a quick way to make some extra money. The players have an array of options provided by sports betting operators and online casinos. The fact that there are no regulations against online gambling is a major reason for its explosive growth in Nigeria. Citizens can gamble online without fear of legal repercussions. The government does not benefit from the gambling industry because it is largely unregulated and untaxed.

Final Thoughts

Africa's young population is an easy target for both domestic and international online gaming companies. Despite the fact that the industry is largely unregulated, some countries, such as Kenya, are at the forefront of regulating and monetizing online gambling and betting. These regulations, however, may deter some players, but the majority of betting companies that follow the rules will benefit greatly. The African online gambling growth phase has only just begun, with a projected growth rate of more than 12% over the next five years. Congo and other new entrants demonstrate that the African gaming market is ready to take center stage on a global scale.