Gambling outlook 2017-2021

All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster. Among the popular bookmakers in Africa is the famous Parimatch, which allows you to place bets on popular world events, as well as African championships and competitions. The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors. Digital credit and specifically mobile money credit has grown leaps and bounds since they were introduced in East Africa.

Football

In the past, you would have had to go to a physical bookmaker in order to place a bet. The full research paper by Robinson Mbae and Edmond Machengete explores the relationship of sports betting with digital credit, looking at how these have prevailed, the common consumer and amounts bet and borrowed. It also explores the role of regulation and education, and why its impact on financial inclusion and exclusion. You can also watch a recording of the webinar held to discuss this paper. This act established various provincial gambling boards responsible for licensing and regulating betting operators. The rise of the online gambling industry is closely tied to this wave of constant developments, which translated through a decrease in the overall price for internet connectivity in several African countries.

reasons sports betting is booming in SA

As Afrirent Holdings enters the West African market, it is focusing on responsible gaming practices and community engagement, demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact in the region’s gaming and entertainment sector. With a reputation for excellence and a dedication to social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings aims to create value, foster economic development, and empower local communities in West Africa. On the assumption of pretty recent research 60 million locals of SA in the age group of 18 – 40 are active sports gamblers.

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This, along with the addition of ESPN, have contributed to a spike in betting on US sports,” says Chelin. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through UFC events, offers a distinct betting landscape compared to boxing. MMA fights can end in multiple ways such as knockout, submission, or decision. What makes Betway particularly attractive is the competitive welcome bonus of up to R1,000 for new sign-ups, enhancing the initial betting experience.

Legal Framework

The activity has been banned in Uganda by the Ugandan president (6) and religious leaders in Tanzania have called for it to be curbed (7). East African Governments have also increased exponentially the taxes they levy on sport betting companies with most ranging at 15% and above (10). By understanding the legalities, exploring the various betting options and approaching sports betting responsibly, South Africans can enjoy the thrill of adding a competitive edge to their love for sports. Remember, responsible betting is key to maximising your enjoyment and minimising any potential risks. So, place your bets with caution, celebrate your wins and learn from your losses – all while enjoying the beautiful game (or any other sport you fancy) from a whole new perspective. This guide delves into the world of sports betting in South Africa, exploring its legal framework, popular betting markets and key considerations before placing your first bet.

• It was not a main stream activity but mainly confined to casinos with expatriates and elites making up the bulk of their customers (1).
• We South Africans love being out and about but don’t want to miss out on watching a certain rugby or soccer match.
• This has allowed people to place bets and play casino style games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical racetrack or casino.
• Government regulation goes a long way to ensuring that people do feel that sense of safety.
• In conclusion, sports betting in South Africa is a vibrant and evolving industry.

MMA Sport News, Updates and Exclusive Interviews for South Africa

In the US, the industry has seen a major boost as the market has become more liberalised. Betting on sport is now legal in 38 states, with Missouri set to become the 39th state in 2025, as well as the District of Columbia. While having a big focus on the sports part of the market, MultiChoice has offerings beyond this. This has further been aided by the greater prominence of casino products in recent times, especially slot games. Between the pools and beaches, many people are attracted to the sport of swimming. With its origin in the 1900s, South Africa boasts a host of athletes who have achieved Olympic success for swimming – most notably Chad le Clos.

Rugby

• As well as to uphold and maintain the image of the South African gambling industry on a global level.
• All of our suggested betting sites cover almost every sport and punters are encouraged to use those which they find most comfortable.
• BetGames are live lucky draw games that combine traditional fixed odds betting with lottery and live dealers.
• “Given its focus on online betting, which has stronger economics than its agency business, BetKing Nigeria has moved to number two in the online betting market.
• The governments of several African countries have already passed regulatory acts which offer further hope for future developments and reforms taking place on the continent.
• Betway’s platform is praised for its intuitive design and a robust mobile application, ensuring a seamless betting experience.
• Betting GGR rose by 14.3% in 2016, raising its share of total GGR to 19% from 17% in 2015.

Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling. Betway places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling, ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting safe betting practices. The company is accredited by international testing agency eCOGRA and supports the Responsible Gambling Trust, reflecting its dedication to ethical operations. This commitment has fostered trust and loyalty among its user base, establishing Betway as a reputable and reliable platform in the South African betting industry. With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years. There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.

Some tips on how to win in betting in Africa

New users can benefit from a welcome bonus that works similarly to a casino deposit match, providing a good start with a small wagering requirement before playthrough. While Betway provides competitive odds, especially on major UFC events, one area for improvement could be the expansion of their live streaming services. Policymakers on the African continent are also expected to start contemplating the same issue as more people take up betting, driven by the internet on the continent. US legislators are now mulling how to regulate the sector at a national/federal level given the increased uptake in what is now estimated to be a $10bn industry.

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According to 2022 statistics data, Nigeria has the largest population and gross domestic product in all of Africa. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the country is currently the most profitable gambling market in sub-Saharan Africa, which translates to an average of 7% of the continent total. And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years. The progressive growth of economic prosperity in numerous African countries has become undeniably visible over the last quarter-century. The assistance and support I have received from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has been invaluable .

Features that every betting website must have in South Africa

Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent. Online gambling has also become a sector of interest for several foreign investors in other African countries. There is an ongoing legal conflict between the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lotteries Board, as both organisations are trying to impose regulations and collect licensing taxes.

This report covers casino gambling, limited payout machines (LPMs), betting (horse racing, sports and fixed odds), bingo and the National Lottery. So, while mobile apps have made sports betting more convenient and accessible for users around the world, their impact has been even greater in South Africa. Over the years, the user experience on those apps has also improved dramatically, further enhancing their appeal among sports betting customers. It’s also worth remembering that we live in an increasingly globalised world and that there are millions of South Africans living abroad. Those South Africans will have shared their sports betting experiences with family and friends back home, further nudging them towards it as a worthwhile activity. It not only generates revenue through taxes but also creates employment opportunities.

The National Gambling Board

I would go to the casino with borrowed money, hoping that it would be my lucky day. I became an aggressive gambler, didn’t even care when I would lose my salary. One morning I sat at a machine with the hope of winning but instead lost R5 000 in 2 hours.

NRGP Digital Referral

• The company is accredited by international testing agency eCOGRA and supports the Responsible Gambling Trust, reflecting its dedication to ethical operations.
• I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being.
• In spite of different religion, language, age, social status, race, culture or political views, people all over South Africa have 1 mutual thing – they are wild sport fans.
• After all, those positive and negative aspects about gambling (referred to above) must be marshalled quite closely.
• For some people gambling can change from being an entertaining and pleasurable activity and become a problem.

Betting on fighters like Kamaru Usman, Valentina Shevchenko, and Israel Adesanya, each with unique styles, can make your bets more thrilling. Their platform is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward interface and a mobile app that ensures you can bet on the go. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and its premier league, the UFC, have captured the imagination of sports fans around the world, including in South Africa. Net gaming revenues declined by 48% to $48.3m (about R900m) for the period due to the weaker naira vs the US dollar but were up 10% on an organic basis, which excludes foreign exchange movements.

What makes it so prevalent for thousands of people is a sharp ambition to watch the show between 2 equal opponents. When fans have strong persuasion in their team’s perfection, appetite to brag of their invincibility increases geometrically and placing bets on the events is impending. Sports is not just a way of relaxing anymore, it is a profitable form of earning money. Despite the advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks, the sports betting industry in South Africa faces various challenges and opportunities.

Currently, the gambling market in Kenya continues to be dominated by sports betting, with an estimated number of over 7-million citizens actively placing bets on online gambling services. The future of iGaming and betting in Africa is bright, with significant opportunities for growth and expansion. However, the industry also faces significant challenges that must be overcome if it is to reach its full potential. The development of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks, innovative payment solutions, and increased internet access will be key to unlocking the full potential of the iGaming and betting industry in Africa.

How old is the betting industry in South Africa?

In South Africa, gambling is heavily regulated by the National Gambling Act, No. 7 of 2004 and the National Gambling Board, as well as provincial gambling regulations. Gambling and betting companies therefore hold operating licences with provincial gambling boards. These regulations distinguish between online gambling and online betting.

• The Association is governed by a board of up to 9 elected directors who meet at least once every two months to formulate and approve policy for implementation.
• US legislators are now mulling how to regulate the sector at a national/federal level given the increased uptake in what is now estimated to be a $10bn industry.
• Gambling operators addressed this by lowering bonuses and implementing stricter requirements for withdrawing the bonus.
• They make the betting experience more engaging with live betting options, allowing you to place wagers as the fight progresses.
• Statistics show that 49.4% of South Africans bet on sports from October 2021 to October 2022; around a quarter of these bettors also engage in online betting a few times a week.
• The more you know about the sport, the better your chances of making a successful bet.

The licensing of online betting sites

The South African sports betting and lottery industry is legal and regulated under the National Gambling Act of 2004. Introduction of gambling legislation into the law, saw the creation of several regulatory and control organizations in the country. The primary responsibility of such organizations is to ensure safety in the industry. As well as to uphold and maintain the image of the South African gambling industry on a global level. Sports betting operators require a valid license to operate in the country. Such licenses are issued by the Provincial Licensing Authorities, one per province.

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The advent of the premier bet zone internet revolutionised the sports betting industry worldwide, and South Africa was no exception. Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. This shift allowed bettors to place wagers from the comfort of home using computers or mobile devices.