African Countries Where Online Gambling Is Legal

Africa's flourishing online gambling market has continued attracting various operators to its territories. Unfortunately, the African gambling market is largely unregulated, exposing players to various harms and dangers. It is imperative to play on trusted and licensed online gambling sites, even better if the online sportsbook or casino holds a provincial license in your country.

A gambling license indicates that the gambling site is trustworthy and will always payout your earnings if you win. A gambling license ensures that online gambling sites in South Africa protect your funds judiciously and do not mismanage your personal information. Likewise, licenses ensure that gambling sites provide fair and responsible gaming and that operators act in the player's best interest. Finally, license application fees, renewals, and online gambling taxation provide extra revenue streams, eventually boosting a nation's economy.

While choosing a licensed online casino is an important consideration when gambling online, the online gambling legislation in your residential country poses a more significant concern.

Most African countries do not have clear online gambling laws making it difficult for players and investors to know African countries that legalize online casinos and sportsbooks. This post provides all the information you need to know about the African online gambling market.

This guide will cover the current state of online gambling in South Africa and the African online gambling market at large. We will also touch on the online gambling South Africa market and African countries that legalize sportsbooks and online casinos. Before we dive in, let's quickly discuss why online gambling regulation is an essential subject in the first case.

Benefits of Online Gambling Regulation

The establishment of standard gambling regulation benefits casino operators and players. Here are five clear benefits of online gambling legalization:

1. Fair and responsible gaming
2. Addiction control
3. Safety and security
4. Economic development
5. Improved experience

Let's discover more about each.

Fair and Responsible Gaming

Online gambling regulation promotes fair and responsible gaming because gambling legislation often involves the enactment of institutions and authorities overseeing the country's gambling affairs.

In a jurisdiction with concise gambling laws, the governing body ensures that the casino and sportsbook within its territory has a seal of approval or provincial license. Before issuing this license, the regulatory bodies scrutinize every aspect of the site's operation.

Crucially, they check their games for fairness and transparency. They ensure that the outcome of every game of chance, such as online slots, baccarat, roulette, dice, etc., is independent and decided by random number generator software. In addition, the licensing authority also ensures that experienced croupiers handle the live casinos. As for sportsbooks, the licensing body ensures that their odds are fair and competitive. During the scrutiny, the authority also examines the gambling establishments' integrity to ensure that their citizens remain in good hands.

Addiction Control

One of the significant backlashes against gambling is its possible addiction risk. This is because gambling may become so addictive that some people won't be able to go a day without it, even if it means they borrow money or lose their productive time on gambling.

The regulation of online gambling protects players from unsafe gambling and helps reduce problem gambling incidence. For example, gambling regulation often stipulates the age requirement for betting online and visiting gambling shops. In South Africa and most African countries, the legal gambling age is 18 years. According to the law, online gambling sites in South Africa will only accept punters at least 18 years old.

Furthermore, online gambling regulation establishes safe gambling protocols that every casino and sportsbook within SA must observe. This may include mandating online gambling South Africa site operators to have gambling control measures such as daily spending and deposit limit, which help limit the amount of money players can spend and deposit on the gambling site. In addition, operators will also have a self-exclusion scheme that allows addicted players to exit the gambling site while they seek therapy.

A country's gambling authority will also have a unique gambling control agency where punters can seek help to overcome gambling addiction.

Safety and Security

Legalizing online gambling within a jurisdiction provides the resident with a safe and secure gambling environment. This is because stable gambling regulation attracts only reputable operators with the best interest of punters. These operators manage players' information and funds efficiently. Additionally, regulated countries have proactive regulatory authorities who ensure that only operators that pay players earnings can operate.

On the other hand, a country without proper online gambling legislation exposes punters to many dangers. This is because many bad actors always operate within unregulated markets, stopping at nothing to take advantage of unsuspecting punters.

Economic Development

Gambling regulation attracts rich investment opportunities that develop the country socially and economically. For instance, SA gambling sites operating within the South African market usually pay for license applications and renewals. Furthermore, as part of the licensing agreement, online gambling sites in South Africa also pay tax on their yearly revenue. This practice is not limited to gambling online South Africa sites but applies to operators throughout Africa.

In addition to licensing fees, gambling resources also open up new job opportunities in the country. The best online gambling sites usually hire locals for technical and non-technical roles such as software development, brand promotion, customer support, liaison, etc. As the unemployment rate reduces, spending power and living standards increase, leading to a proportionate socio-economic boost.

Improved Experience

Whether a country legalizes online gambling or not, residents will always find ways to satisfy their cravings. However, online gambling regulations improve players' and providers' experience.

Countries with online gambling legislation will attract reputable and trusted operators giving punters more options. Similarly, stable gambling regulation gives operators more confidence to expand and provide tailored services within the market. As the market grows, more software providers, banks, and online payment companies will extend their operations to the booming market, making it easier for players to deposit and play real money games. To top it all off, the authorization of online gambling also enables punters to gamble freely, knowing that they are not breaking any law.

State of Online Gambling Market in Africa

The table below summarizes African countries that legalize online gambling, their regulatory authority, and licensing fee.

Africa is a diverse continent with more than 54 countries. With a headcount of over 1.2 billion, Africa is the second most populous continent after Asia, accounting for ~18% of the world's population.

More than 40% of Africans have access to the internet and are passionate sports lovers. A third of the continent are active gamblers who bet at least once daily. So it is no surprise that Africa contributed up to $ 3 billion to Global Gambling Revenue (GGR) in 2021.

The growth of the African gambling market can be attributed to many factors, including the technology boom and internet penetration. Around 46% of the African populace have access to smartphones and actively use the internet thanks to increased 4G and 5G broadband penetration in major African cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kampala, Accra, Mombasa, Gisenyi, etc. Technology has also opened up new ways for Africans to make money online, such as forex and crypto trading, freelancing, computer programming, content creation, and dropshipping, leading to a burgeoning middle class.

Since Africans are active gamblers, one would be forgiven to think that online gambling is legal and embraced in all African countries. However, that cannot be further from the truth. A little above half of the 54 African countries support online gambling. And most of the countries that permit online gambling don't have concise online gambling legislation.

Based on African countries with gambling regulation, the continent's gambling reform is heterogeneous. The following are three classifications of African countries from an online gambling regulation standpoint:

• Banned: Only a few African countries have outrightly flagged online gambling as illegitimate. This includes Morocco, Somalia, and Egypt, Muslim countries with strong religious values. People found gambling online and offline in these countries are liable to pay a fine or serve jail terms according to the country's penal code. Egypt does have a few physical gambling shops in Cairo where foreigners and tourists can gamble after proving their identity.
• Unregulated: This is where most African countries belong. Many sub-Saharan nations do not have clear-cut online gambling laws. This implies that locals cannot launch gambling sites in many African countries. Although foreign online casinos and sportsbooks licensed in other jurisdictions can accept players from such regions, they do not directly advertise to the residents. Residents can also frequent offshore online gambling sites in a country without clear gambling laws. It would be best to act with utmost discretion and not directly link their bank account to unapproved gambling sites. Some of the countries without clear online gambling legislation are:
  • Nigeria
  • Angola
  • Uganda
  • Botswana
  • Egypt.
• Regulated: Only South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana gambling markets have clear online gambling laws. This means South Africans can wager on federally approved online gambling sites in South Africa. However, betting on an unregulated gambling site in any of those countries can attract a penalty.

African Countries Where Sportsbook Is Legal

This section describes African countries that legalize online sportsbooks and their respective gambling laws. Let's dive in.

South Africa

South Africa boasts the most developed online gambling market in Africa. This is all thanks to the country's flourishing economy and high standard of living, which gives the resident more spending power than people from other African countries.

South Africans are also known to be passionate sports lovers. The enthusiasm for sports, high disposable income, and internet savviness of South Africans make it a fertile ground for sports betting. Research shows that 1 out of 10 South Africans are active gamblers, and it is no surprise that the country generated 32.4 billion rands from gambling in 2020. South Africa also accounts for nearly half of the entire continent's gambling revenue, and its GGR is expected to grow to $2.3 billion by 2023.

Gambling has been legal in South Africa since 2004 following the amendment of the 1996 Gambling Act that legalized lottery and other forms of physical betting. Many gambling shops in South African metropolises like Hanover Park near Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, etc.

The South African National Gambling Board was established in 2006 and is tasked with regulating the South Africa gambling market. The institution formulates gambling policies, issues licenses, and ensures operators' compliance with gambling legislation alongside the provincial authorities.

While South Africa has precise regulations for its brick-and-mortar gambling market, the same cannot be said about the online sector. The country is slow to respond to online gambling rise, exposing residents to irresponsible and immoral operators.

Despite the lack of online gambling regulation, we can confirm that online sports betting is legal in South Africa. And South African residents can bet on online gambling sites South Africa that hold a provincial license. There are a handful of gambling sites in South Africa to fulfill your gambling fantasy. It is worth mentioning that gambling on offshore bookmarkers without a South African license is illegal.

To conclude, online Sportsbooks are legal in South Africa. Players can place bets on licensed South African gambling sites without legal sanction. Likewise, South Africa provides a good and stable investment climate for operators of sportsbooks and online SA gambling sites.

Nigeria

Nigeria boasts the second-largest gambling market in Africa. A teeming 30% of Nigeria's 200 million populace are passionate gamblers, and the country accounts for nearly 10% of African gambling revenue. This is all thanks to Nigeria's flourishing economy, high literacy level, broadband internet connectivity, and sports heritage.

Nigeria's gambling regulation goes back to 2005 when the government authorized lottery, sports betting, slot machines, and land casinos. Card and table games are primarily illegal. The Nigeria National Lottery Regulation Commission (NLRC) spearheads the country's gambling regulations, and all betting shops must obtain a license before they start operation.

The 2005 Gambling Act does not make provisions for online gambling. Nevertheless, the country continues to issue licenses to online bookmarkers who meet the requirements. This makes online sports betting legal in Nigeria, and Nigerians can wager on licensed local and offshore online sportsbooks without worry.

It's worth mentioning that many of the best online gambling sites in Africa operate in Nigeria and accept Nigerians. Whether you want to place bets on football, basketball, lawn tennis, boxing, cricket, etc., there are licensed sportsbooks in Nigeria to meet your gambling needs.

Nigeria's online gambling law frowns on money laundering, and operators must ensure that their site doesn't aid in money laundering and tax evasion. The legal gambling age is 18, and all operators must comply with the age requirement. The country doesn't restrict payment; therefore, bettors can deposit and withdraw funds via authorized payment methods in the region, such as bank transfers, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, etc.

The flexibility of Nigerian gambling regulation also provides a safe atmosphere for launching a sportsbook. However, investors must first acquire a license to open an online sportsbook in Nigeria. Sportsbook licenses go for 2 million nairas (~ $4000), but operators must have security or cash of 30 million or its equivalent investment in the country to obtain a license.

Kenya

Kenya has a vibrant sports culture and prides itself as Africa's third-largest gambling market. More than 7 million of the 55 million Kenyans take part in one form of gambling or the other. Little wonder the country's gambling market recently reached a $50 million revenue milestone.

Kenya also has one of the most comprehensive gambling regulations, making it one of the countries to gamble. Gambling has been legal in the Republic of Kenya since 1965. Although, it took until 2011 before online gambling became authorized.

According to the provision of the Gambling Bill of 2019, physical and online sports betting, casino, lottery, bingo, and poker are legal in Kenya. Therefore, sportsbooks are legal in Kenya because the operator holds a reputable gambling license. Sports betting on football is by far the most popular gambling option among Kenyans.

The Betting Control and Lottery Board (BCLB) is tasked with gambling regulation, license issuance, and compliance. Operators must first obtain a work permit from the National Immigration Center, after which they will deposit a refundable 40000 KES to get the license.

Online and physical sportsbook operators are taxed 20% of their annual revenue, and most recently, a 15% tax was imposed on players' winnings too. Many operators, including some of Kenya's best online gambling sites, have fled the country due to the heavy taxation.

Ghana

Ghana's gambling market is much smaller than Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. However, the country's gambling space is sizable enough to make it one of the African gambling hotspots. Besides, Ghana also has one of the most stable online gaming markets.

Gambling has been legal in Ghana since the 1970s when the country authorized sports betting, lottery, casino, and gaming machines. But it took until 2006 before online gambling was legalized in Ghana. The 2006 Gaming Act also usher in the creation of the Ghana Gaming Commission (GGC), which oversees the country's online and terrestrial gambling market.

The Gaming Act allows online sportsbooks to operate within Ghana shores provided they obtain the betting permit, which costs around $40000. Therefore, Ghanaians can bet on any online bookmaker with a country gambling license.

The existence of clear gambling laws and stable regulation is a win-win for all the participating bodies. Sportsbooks ventures into the Ghanaian gambling market with a clear vision, and players' data and funds are protected adequately. The government gets to pocket a sizable amount of money in revenue and licensing fees.

Uganda

Uganda is a Central African country inhabited by over 40 million people. With over 70% of youth involved in betting and gambling revenue estimated to reach $ 50 million by 2023, the Uganda gambling market is certainly one to keep your eye on.

Various gambling regulations have existed in Uganda since the 1970s. However, the 2013 Lottery and Gaming Act merged all the legislation into a single comprehensive framework. According to the Act, sports betting, casinos, lottery, and bingo are legal in Uganda. The same Gaming Act also led to the establishment of the National Gaming Board, which controls all forms of gambling within the territory.

The 2013 Gaming Act doesn't include online gambling. However, sports betting is legal in Uganda because the gambling authority issues licenses to foreign and local sportsbooks. Foreigners and locals can pick up a sportsbook license for $5500 and $2700, respectively.

Ugandans can gamble on any accredited sportsbooks within the country. The legal gambling age is set at 25 years, and players are taxed a whopping 15% of their winnings to discourage gambling. And it's safe to warn that the Uganda gambling market is so saturated that necessary measures must be taken to curtail the social and economic effects of irresponsible gambling.

Tanzania

Tanzania is based in East Africa and has over 50 million population. Although the country's GDP pales compared to many other African nations, its growing internet penetration and friendly gambling law put it on our radar.

Tanzania is one of the pioneers of gambling legislation in Africa. The country sees gambling as a leisurely activity and has legalized gambling since 1972. However, the current gambling laws are informed by the 2003 Gambling Act. The same act also saw the enactment of the Tanzania Gaming Board, which regulates the country's gambling market, issues licenses, and ensures the protection of players' rights. Each operator must acquire a gambling license to conduct operations in the country.

Obtaining a license is as simple as providing proof of funding and credibility and paying license fees. To ensure continued protection of player interest, the Tanzania Gambling Board pushed for a new bill in 2020 that tightened the guidelines on gambling ads.

Unlike many African countries, Tanzania also has comprehensive and precise online gambling regulations. The 2012 Internet Gaming Regulations permit sportsbooks to operate within the country after obtaining a license. Likewise, Tanzanians can wager on approved online bookmakers. Betting on unlicensed sportsbooks attracts penalties in the form of fines, jail terms, or both. The same punishment applies to unlicensed operators. Sportsbook revenues are taxed at 25% annually.

Egypt

Egypt is a North Central African country with a population of 104.3 million and over $400 billion in GDP as of 2021. It is a majority Muslim-nation guided by Sharia and Islamic laws.

The Egyptian gambling laws are perplexing. The country prohibits residents from most forms of gambling, such as casinos and lotteries. But tourists can bet in licensed venues.

Sports betting became legal in Egypt in 2005, and the gambling bill allows tourists and residents to participate in sports betting in licensed gambling shops.

Egypt's online sports betting market needs to be more specific. There are no comprehensive laws on online gambling. Nonetheless, online betting is still considered illegal in the country. For one, the 2005 Gambling bill only permits betting and wagering in licensed establishments, and the government doesn't offer any online gambling license. So no gambling site is officially approved in Egypt. Secondly, the anti-cyber and information technology law frowns upon online gambling.

So, online gambling is unregulated in Egypt, and sportsbooks are unauthorized. Those that gamble on offshore sites are liable to punishment according to the country's penal code. Nonetheless, Egyptians still patronize various offshore sportsbooks. While this act is not encouraged, the penal code is loosely enforced, and there is no incidence of punishing defaulters.

Verdict on African Online Sports Betting Market Regulation

Africans are passionate sports lovers, as evident in the continent's massive representation in global sports competitions. So, it is understandable that many Africans gamble on one form of sport. Of course, football betting is the most popular gambling option among Africans.

What is surprising is that instead of grasping this newfound opportunity to generate more revenue, as seen in online gambling South Africa, most African governments continue to push back against online gambling. Most countries do not have online gambling laws and haven't taken serious steps to regulate online gambling. This leaves the door open for fraudulent operators to provide service to its citizens and expose players to risk.

Despite the pushback against online gambling in most African countries, it is glad that some countries are opening up to the opportunities that come with online sports betting. Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa have regulated online sports betting markets and allow residents to gamble on licensed sportsbooks. Sports betting is also legal in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya as the government continues to issue licenses to qualified operators.

In countries that prohibit online sportsbooks, players continue to put their heads out there to play on offshore sportsbooks, as we see in the case of Egypt. This implies that punters are not swayed by punishment. Governments cannot continue to ignore their citizens' clamor for online gambling legislation. What the government can do instead is to formulate regulations that enable punters to bet online in the safest possible way.

The successful experiments in countries that have legalized online sports betting in Africa will encourage others to see beyond the dangers and embrace online betting.

African Countries Where Online Casino Is Legal

After talking about African countries that permit online sports betting, this section explores countries where online casinos are legal.

South Africa

According to the South African gambling Act, casinos belong under interactive games, which are flagged as illegal. This means casino games such as slots, poker, and bingo are unauthorized in South Africa according to the 2008 Gambling Act.

Despite the clampdown on online gambling in South Africa, the country's regulatory authority still issues provincial casino licenses to operators that meet its requirements. Players can play on licensed gambling sites in South Africa without sanction.

While gambling at casinos that don't have a local South African license is illegal, many residents continue to gamble on offshore online gambling sites South Africa. The lack of precise regulation of online gambling in South Africa also allows operators licensed in other jurisdictions to accept South African players. Up to this writing, no defaulter is yet to be prosecuted for playing on offshore SA gambling sites.

So to be precise, the online gambling South Africa betting bill classifies casinos as illegal. However, locals can play on licensed South African gambling sites.

Nigeria

The giant of Africa's online casino sector needs better regulation. The Nigeria Gambling Act of 2005, the most current gambling reform in the country, doesn't make provision for online casinos. However, most of the licensed sportsbooks offer casino gaming. Thus, Nigerians can enjoy online casinos on approved gambling sites.

The lack of regulation also means there is no restriction on I-gaming. Therefore, Nigerians are free to play casino games on online gambling sites of their choosing. Although, to this date, no one has yet been prosecuted for playing online casinos, especially as slots and casinos are not illegal under the most recent gambling act.

Operators can offer casinos to Nigerians, but it will be better to seek legal counsel before doing so.

Kenya

In line with the existing gambling bill, online casinos are legal in Kenya. Operators with provincial gambling permits can provide casino services in the country. Likewise, Kenyans can gamble for free or with real money on any licensed online gambling sites, most of which are subsidiaries of international casino brands.

The National government frowns on illegal gambling operations. Thus, Kenyans can only use online casinos licensed within the country. Defaulters are liable to a fine or jail term. Although, this regulation is not strictly enforced.

The legal gambling age in Kenya is 18. There is no limitation on the amount that can be wagered daily except the one imposed by the operator. Kenyan online casinos accept KES, and punters can make deposits through authorized payment gateways.

Ghana

Ghana happens to be one of the African gambling countries where online casinos are legal. The Gambling Act of 2006 legalized online casinos and established a clear operating framework for online casinos within the country. For example, local and international casinos can provide their service to Ghanaians with the correct license. Likewise, Ghanaians can play slots and other strategy-based casino games at any casino of their choice.

The 2006 Gaming Act stipulates that gamblers must be 18 years and above to participate in online gambling. However, the regulation isn't precise on who the betting companies can advertise to and the daily gambling limit. So it's the player's responsibility to choose secure and responsible online casinos.

The chairperson of the Ghana Gaming Commission has been very proactive about the need to curb underage gambling. Therefore, the government may do something about it very soon.

Uganda

Uganda needs proper online casino legislation. However, the National Gaming Board continues to issue licenses to online casino operators and gaming software providers, making online casinos legal within the country. Some of the licensed sportsbooks also provide I-gaming services. And none of the recent Gaming Acts prohibits online casinos.

Ugandans can play casinos online on any gambling site licensed by the National Gambling Board. The application fee for a casino license is $13600 and $4000 for foreigners and indigenes, respectively. Online casino operators are also due for 20% monthly tax and a 15% tax on players' winnings. On the other hand, investors must seek proper legal counsel before establishing casinos in Uganda.

Tanzania

The Gambling Act of 2003 classifies casinos as games. Therefore all card games, table games, strategy games, and games of luck are legal in Tanzania.

The Gambling Act decriminalized online casino gaming, and the first online casino in Tanzania launched as far back as 2013. Many gambling sites have joined since then. Operators who wish to set up online casinos in Tanzania must obtain the provincial license and continue to meet the licensing requirements, e.g., 20% tax. Players can patronize licensed virtual casinos, knowing they are in good hands.

Egypt

The 2005 Gambling Bill disallows Egyptians from visiting casinos. However, tourists can play online casino games in any approved betting shop after proving their identity.

Egypt doesn't have online casino legislation and doesn't legalize online casinos. Despite the lack of regulation, offshore operators can still target Egyptians, especially those licensed in other jurisdictions. Many Egyptians also take to these offshore casino sites to wager.

Our verdict is that players violate the 2005 gambling act, which prohibits residents from patronizing unlicensed operators when they play on offshore casinos since these sites do not hold Egyptian gambling licenses. Defaulters are also liable to punishment according to the Gambling Act provision, although this penal code is not enforced. We encourage punters to abide by their country's laws.

Verdict on African Online Casino Market Regulation

Interactive games such as slots, bingos, dice, poker, and live dealers are popular among Africans. So it is unsurprising that online casinos are Africa's second most famous gambling option after sports betting.

Like sports betting, the African online casino and gaming market is also rarely regulated. Online casinos are more frowned upon than sports betting in most African countries. I-game suspension can be attributed to the lack of skill in most casino games and their addictive nature.

Nonetheless, the lack of online casino regulation or its prohibition has prevented Africans from wagering on offshore casinos.

Luckily, some African countries like South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana have comprehensive online casino regulations allowing locals and foreigners to gamble on licensed casino sites. Online casinos are also legal in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.

We hope that the African countries that have legalized online casinos will provide a clear path forward for others looking to follow the same way.

What Is The Path Forward For African Online Gambling Sites and Casinos?

Africa has a promising online gambling market and has everything it takes to become a significant market. The country already boasts a vast number of passionate sports bettors. Internet usage is also on the rise, and there are more Africans with disposable income now than at any time in history.

Even though they didn't prohibit online gambling outright, most countries do not have a standard regulatory framework to guide operations within their country. This is partly due to the concern about the ill-consequences of gambling, such as addiction, loss of time, depression, etc. But the lack of proper regulation has continued to slow down the progress of the African online gambling market.

However, many countries need to recognize that the lack of adequate oversight does more harm than good. Rogue online casinos and sportsbooks rob players of their hard-earned money and mismanage their data. Because when a government fails to regulate its gambling market, it leaves the door open to all malicious online gambling sites to advertise directly to its residents.

Henceforth, it would be best for each African country to take a stance on online gambling, whether establishing strong regulations prohibiting online gambling or a comprehensive framework that guides how gambling online South Africa is conducted, who can gamble, and who can be an operator.

Luckily, some African countries have tolled this path which can set precedents for others to follow. South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya have comprehensive online gambling laws which allow citizens to bet in a more controlled manner. Nigeria and Uganda also continue to issue licenses to online casinos and Sportsbook providers and may soon publish their online gambling regulations. It would help if many other African countries could formulate their gambling laws. It would be even better if African countries could unite to develop uniform laws regulating their online gambling market.