Africa Poised to Become the Next Major iGaming Market

Every time a country or region eases its laws on sports betting and online casino gaming, the industry is quick to speculate about who might be next.

This trend has persisted throughout the digital gambling era, but the past few years have seen a major shift.

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court relaxed existing legislation on sports betting, triggering a wave of change. Canada soon followed, and iGaming revenue saw an exponential rise. Now, the focus is shifting to the next big frontier for the industry.

The Next Big Thing

Today, most players in the U.S. and Canada can easily access online casinos and sportsbooks. While some provinces in Canada maintain restrictions, Ontario’s decision to welcome digital operators in 2022 has significantly altered the landscape. Now, players in Ontario and other provinces can “log on and search for their next online casino real money partner with just a few clicks.” With both the U.S. and Canada—two giants with vast populations—now part of the iGaming ecosystem, the industry is looking beyond smaller nations. The hunt for the next big market is on.

The Likely Candidate

The iGaming sector has now identified an entire continent as its next major revenue contributor: Africa. Industry insiders believe that Africa is primed to make the same kind of impact as the U.S. and Canada have done in recent years. Much like those countries showed around a decade ago, Africa has tremendous potential for development. Many regions have yet to embrace online sports betting and casino operators, but the example set by North America could serve as an inspiration.

The revenue generated by legalized gambling in the U.S. and Canada is too significant to ignore. The blueprint for success is there, but the question remains: will Africa follow it?

Willing Audience

One of Africa’s greatest advantages is its deep passion for sports, particularly football.

Football is the national sport in many African countries, and interest in the game has grown, thanks to several World Cup advancements. Historically, African teams were seen as underdogs, but now they pose a serious competitive threat on the global stage. Football in Africa received further boosts through two landmark events: in 2010, South Africa became the first African country to host the World Cup, and in 2022, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals.

These achievements have only increased global interest in Africa, and the iGaming industry knows that such developments enhance the continent’s appeal as a sports-driven market. While football dominates, other sports also enjoy a following, but for iGaming to thrive, it needs more than just a passion for sports.

Africa is a diverse continent with contrasting regions. While some areas may not be ideal for overseas investment, others are well-established tourist destinations offering luxury and comfort. South Africa is a prime example, where casinos have long been a part of the landscape. Similarly, the Seychelles offers players a chance to enjoy the luxury of beachside resorts before trying their luck at gaming tables. In many parts of Africa, casinos are located in areas already popular with tourists. Egypt is another example of a country with established gaming venues. These examples leave plenty of room for expansion into new, untapped locations.

Population Progress

Africa’s vast population is another factor driving the iGaming sector’s interest. The continent’s population growth is significant, with predictions suggesting that by 2050, Nigeria will account for around 10% of all global births. Such statistics are hard to ignore, and if Africa’s youth continues to follow sport with enthusiasm, the iGaming audience will grow even further in the coming decades.

The presence of heavy restrictions on online gambling in some African countries could also play into the industry's favor. Legalizing sports betting and casinos offers benefits beyond revenue generation, such as curbing underground gambling practices. Several African nations may begin to recognize these advantages and follow the path North America has paved.

There are many compelling reasons why Africa is seen as the next big opportunity for the iGaming industry. The continent already has a vast customer base with a passion for sports and casino gaming, and with a rapidly growing population, that base is set to expand significantly over the next few decades.

Additional Sources

Although some African countries have yet to regulate sports betting and casino play, the potential for growth is immense. While the legal landscape varies across the continent, and many nations have yet to fully embrace the industry, the scope for development is undeniable. All signs point to Africa delivering on its iGaming potential in the near future.

By fLEXI tEAM