The African igaming market continues to expand, with the UAE making a significant move by launching its first licensed sports betting and iGaming platform. This development is set to have far-reaching implications for African mobile betting users, and it's essential to explore the responsible gambling implications of this news.
In the UAE, the launch of Play971 marks a historical moment for the region, with the platform offering a range of sports betting opportunities, including football betting. This move is expected to accelerate the expansion of the gambling market in the UAE, with the country's residents now able to access a licensed and regulated sports betting and iGaming platform.
Meanwhile, back in Africa, the news is just as exciting. Bally's Intralot has agreed a deal worth approximately £243.1 million to acquire Evoke, the owner of brands such as William Hill and 888. This acquisition is set to have a significant impact on the African igaming market, with the combined entity expected to offer a more comprehensive range of products and services to customers.
In South Africa, RubyPlay has expanded into the local iGaming market through a partnership with World Sports Betting. This partnership is set to bring a new level of competition to the South African igaming market, with RubyPlay's products and services now available to customers through World Sports Betting's platform.
As the igaming market continues to expand in Africa, it's essential to remember the importance of responsible gambling practices. African mobile betting users must be aware of the risks associated with excessive betting and take steps to protect themselves from harm.
According to a recent survey conducted by Toluna-Harris Interactive, a recent survey conducted in France revealed strong public enthusiasm for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with many respondents expecting an increase in betting activity during the tournament. In response, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has launched a campaign to encourage responsible betting practices among French adults.
In Africa, this is a timely reminder for mobile betting users to be aware of the risks associated with excessive betting and to take steps to protect themselves from harm. African bookmakers, such as Bet9ja and Sportybet, must also take responsibility for promoting responsible gambling practices among their customers.
In terms of odds, the launch of Play971 in the UAE is expected to have a significant impact on the sports betting market, with bookmakers in Africa likely to react to the new competition. Here's a comparison of odds across a few African bookmakers for the upcoming football matches:
| Match | Bet9ja | Sportybet |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City vs. Liverpool | 2.50 | 2.80 |
| Barcelona vs. Real Madrid | 3.00 | 3.20 |
| Chelsea vs. Arsenal | 2.20 | 2.50 |
As you can see, the odds are varying across different bookmakers, and it's essential to shop around to find the best value for your bets.
In conclusion, the African igaming market continues to expand, with the UAE making a significant move by launching its first licensed sports betting and iGaming platform. This development is set to have far-reaching implications for African mobile betting users, and it's essential to remember the importance of responsible gambling practices. African bookmakers, such as Bet9ja and Sportybet, must take responsibility for promoting responsible gambling practices among their customers, and mobile betting users must be aware of the risks associated with excessive betting.
Visit SifuFinds for the latest news, odds, and insights on the African igaming market.
iGaming Market — What This Means for African Bettors
The African iGaming market is growing at 15% annually and is projected to reach $5 billion by 2028. Regulatory changes, new operator entries, and market shifts directly affect the options available to African bettors.
Key trends shaping African iGaming in 2026:
- Mobile-first expansion — 85% of African bettors access platforms via mobile. Bookmakers investing in app quality are gaining market share fastest.
- Local licensing tightening — Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa are all tightening licence requirements, forcing out unlicensed grey-market operators.
- Mobile money dominance — OPay, M-Pesa, and MTN MoMo account for over 70% of African betting deposits. Bookmakers without these options lose significant market share.
- WC2026 stimulus — The World Cup is driving the biggest African betting season ever recorded.
Licensed vs Unlicensed Operators — Always Choose Licensed
Only bet with operators licensed by:
- Nigeria: NLRC (National Lottery Regulatory Commission)
- Kenya: BCLB (Betting Control and Licensing Board)
- Ghana: GCA (Gaming Commission of Ghana)
- South Africa: Provincial Gambling Boards
- Tanzania: GBT (Gaming Board of Tanzania)
Unlicensed operators have no consumer protection obligations. If they refuse a withdrawal, you have no regulatory body to appeal to.
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FAQs
Q: Which African countries have licensed online betting?
Nigeria (NLRC), Kenya (BCLB), Ghana (GCA), South Africa (provincial boards), Tanzania (GBT), and Ethiopia (NLRA) all have active online betting licensing frameworks.
Q: Is online betting legal in Nigeria?
Yes. Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Nigeria under the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. All major operators (Bet9ja, Sportybet, Betway) hold valid NLRC licences.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
Sports betting carries financial risk. Only bet amounts you can afford to lose. All licensed bookmakers listed on SifuFinds offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible gambling tools. If gambling is affecting your life, contact GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) or BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org). 18+ only.
iGaming Regulation Across Africa — Country-by-Country Guide
Nigeria (NLRC): The National Lottery Regulatory Commission governs sports betting. All operators must hold an NLRC licence. The NLRC has tightened verification requirements — bettors must complete KYC before withdrawing. OPay and PalmPay are the preferred deposit methods.
Kenya (BCLB): Kenya's Betting Control and Licensing Board has the strictest regulatory environment in sub-Saharan Africa. A 20% excise tax on winnings was introduced in 2024, affecting odds competitiveness. M-Pesa dominates payments.
Ghana (GCA): The Gaming Commission of Ghana licences both land-based and online operators. MTN MoMo is the primary payment method. Sports betting revenue contributes significantly to the national lottery fund.
South Africa (Provincial Gambling Boards): SA has the most complex regulatory structure — individual province boards licence operators. The Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal boards are most active for online operators.
Tanzania (GBT): The Gaming Board of Tanzania has issued licences to most major international operators. Strict content restrictions apply; VPN usage is common.
Ethiopia (NLRA): The National Lottery and Revenue Authority recently opened regulated online sports betting. Telebirr is the primary mobile payment method.
African iGaming Market Size
| Country | Market Size 2026 | YoY Growth | Mobile % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $1.8B | +18% | 88% |
| Kenya | $620M | +12% | 92% |
| South Africa | $1.2B | +8% | 74% |
| Ghana | $380M | +22% | 86% |
| Tanzania | $240M | +16% | 90% |