Online gambling in Africa is on the rise
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The online gambling industry has undergone tremendous growth over the past two decades. This growth is validated by the increasing number of online casinos and the number of betting events introduced every day.
According to statistics, the African continent has played a significant role in online gambling growth. The increasing rate of online gambling in Africa is associated with the younger population, economic dynamism, legal matters, and technological advancement in the African continent.
At the moment, online gambling in Africa focuses majorly on sports betting on events such as football games and online casino. Adam Sainz, Football, sports and betting Expert at Africa Casino Hub says “there is no doubt about the love and passion of Africans for major football leagues, including English Premier League.”
At the same time, it cannot be said with certainty that the whole of Africa has experienced growth in online gambling. There are some countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa which have thrived in the online poker industry whereas DRC has registered a low growth rate.
The popularity of international leagues and online casino games has made it easy for players to find reputable online casino sites, as well as trusted poker sites that offer quality gambling software and platforms. The truth is that Africa may see further growth in online gambling as more nations strive to legalize gambling.
Legal Matters
The legal aspect of online gambling in Africa is neutral, it’s not all perfect, but it’s not all bad either. While there are countries that have fully legalized online gambling, there are some that prohibit online gambling activities.
This has made it possible to legally gamble 20 miles or so from the border of the country where gambling is illegal. Besides, the regulations often fail to consider online casinos operated by internationl operators. Most gamblers are free to access these operators and for that reason, offshore platforms are finding incredible success in the African continent.
Therefore, the conditions for online gambling in Africa can be considered young on the global level, creating a competitive environment for foreign gambling sites. When there are no regulations for playing online casinos in a country, players do not have to worry about legal matters and can simply play poker, bet on their favourite sport, or engage in live casino games. South Africa is a relatively different case because it has created strong laws around online gambling.
Economic development of the African continent
The increasing disposable income available in some African nations, the expanding middle class, and higher spending power have an impact on the online gambling industry. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the continent seems to have bounced back and many African countries continue to thrive.
Economic development has triggered growth in communication infrastructure, which is a key component of online gambling. Africans can access cheap internet connections and engage in online gambling as a recreational activity.
Technological advancement
Technological advancements have played an important role in the growth of online gambling in Africa. An increase in internet connectivity, mobile phone, and the introduction of mobile money transfer platforms such as M-Pesa and Orange Money has given the continent a competitive edge in the global gaming market.
A study by World Financial Review indicates that the continent is experiencing a significant revolution in online gambling as a result of technological advancement, with more than 30% of the population taking part in some type of gambling. With the introduction of 5G technology, gambling operators have been able to market their products as gamblers play HD and 4K games withouthalts. Several gambling sites can now host live casino games and live sporting events.
Africans love for Gambling activities
Even though the growth of online gambling has been credited to technological advancement and economic growth in Africa, it is worth noting that their love for online gambling has been important too. Gambling sites are extremely popular in Africa and this is one of the main reasons why it’s so easy to find online casinos, online betting sites, and online lotteries.
It has to be noted that most of the African population cannot really access the land casinos because of the local laws. So, the most convenient option is the internet casinos. This market has grown and about 140 million Africans are involved in online gambling games, most of whom use mobile devices to gamble on their favourite games.
Through online platforms, gamblers can place their bets in the comfort of their homes. There is no limitation since the casinos operate 24/7. Gamblers can play on the go via their mobile devices, provided there is internet access.
The Future of online gambling in Africa
In the coming years, we expect more African countries to create robust laws and policies that will guide operations in the gambling sector. This will help increase revenue collection and also offer job opportunities for the youngest population, and reduce unemployment rate. The reality is that Africa is the home of millions of sports enthusiasts and with the right legal framework added with technological investment, the continent will gain more economically.
