These 5 African Nations Are Betting Big in 2025
Youth and Mobile Tech Drive Africa’s Growing Gambling Landscape
Sports betting continues to surge across Africa in 2025, with mobile phones, internet access, and urban youth culture fueling a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to a new survey by GeoPoll, conducted in April 2025 across six African countries, sports betting has become deeply ingrained in the daily lives of millions particularly young men.
The survey polled 4,191 youth aged 18–34 in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Though not fully demographically representative, the results provide strong insight into regional trends and participation levels.
Here are the top five African countries currently dominating the sports betting scene:
1. 🇿🇦 South Africa – 83% Participation
South Africa leads the continent in sports betting participation. With 83% of surveyed youth admitting they’ve placed bets, the country’s well-established infrastructure, advanced mobile technology, and regulated betting market have made gambling widely accessible. Popular sports include football, rugby, and cricket and mobile betting apps are commonplace among the urban population.
2. 🇰🇪 Kenya – 79% Participation
From Pioneer to Challenger,
Kenya now ranks second. Still, 79% participation shows the industry remains robust, with mobile money platforms like M-Pesa making betting available to even low-income earners. Football remains the top draw, and betting is often seen as both entertainment and an income opportunity.
3. 🇹🇿 Tanzania – 74% Participation
Fast-Growing, Tech-Savvy Market
Tanzania has surged in recent years, now claiming 74% youth participation in betting. Football leagues, both local and European, drive engagement, and government moves to regulate the sector have only boosted visibility. Mobile penetration in rural areas has also opened up access across more regions.
4. 🇳🇬 Nigeria – 73% Participation
Though fourth in participation rate, Nigeria’s massive population means it may have the highest number of bettors overall. At 73% engagement, sports betting is driven by football fandom, economic challenges, and mobile accessibility. Betting shops and digital platforms are a common sight across major cities and towns.
5. 🇺🇬 Uganda – 72% Participation
Youthful, Hungry, and Hopeful
Uganda rounds out the top five with 72% of youth reporting active participation in sports betting. Despite high unemployment and limited opportunities, betting has become a form of hope and recreation. Mobile betting apps are growing rapidly, even in semi-urban and rural communities.
The GeoPoll study highlights a significant generational shift. Half of respondents were aged 25–34, with 68% being male underlining that young, mobile-savvy men are the primary drivers of this trend.
The top motivators? A love for football, quick-win mentality, and easy access through mobile technology.
While the sports betting boom provides entertainment and some economic benefits, there are warnings of rising addiction, financial distress, and poor regulation in many regions.
With mobile access and youthful enthusiasm showing no signs of slowing down, the continent’s gambling landscape is only set to grow — but so too are the stakes.