Legalized Gambling in Africa: Countries that Allow Betting

Unleashing the African Gambling Scene

Our eyes are on Africa as we explore its gambling landscape, spat out on a captivating map and organized neatly in a table for easy consumption.

Red mark - gambling strictly forbidden;Purple mark - land-based gambling tolerated;Blue mark - online gambling encouraged;Green mark - regulated online gambling;Yellow mark - regulated land-based gambling.

The diversity in gambling regulation throughout African nations stems predominantly from religious beliefs and technology advancements. In many areas steeped in Islam, gambling faces a negative connotation. Yet, exceptions such as Morocco have turned the tides, allowing gambling for the masses.

In terms of development, the rate at which gambling expands is largely dependent on accessible mobile networks and widespread smartphone usage. Mobile connectivity has reached an astounding 83% of the continent, and 78% of residents boast some type of mobile device (in stark contrast to the UK’s populace, where 91% own smartphones). Nevertheless, internet availability varies between nations, with Morocco boasting an impressive 88.1%, contrasted by the Central African Republic's meager 10.6%.

Let's dive a bit deeper into the world of African gambling...

The African Gambling Landscape, Revisited

A multifaceted examination of gambling regulations within African countries:

Underground Gambling Circuits
Although gambling is illegal in some African countries, such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, they operate as secretive black markets.
A religious veil shrouds these underground circles, leading to a modest display of land-based gambling—think casinos hidden within hotels catering primarily to foreigners.
Online gambling remains overlooked, with authorities turning a blind eye to certain activities despite official prohibition.
Casinos Galore, with a Sprinkle of Legal Uncertainty
Sub-Saharan African countries have yet to set in stone regulations for online gambling, allowing foreign operators to freely offer services.
This gray area creates confusion, as national laws fail to clearly outline the legality of internet-based gambling.
The Hybrid Model
A handful of countries, such as Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, have formal land-based gambling regulations, but also issue licenses to online operators.
This dual-pronged approach produces uncertainty, as it is unclear whether exclusive online gambling licensing is necessary.
Regulated Safe Heavens
Select African countries, like South Africa and Nigeria, have fully-fledged gambling regulations that cover both land-based and online establishments.
South Africa's gambling market is thriving, reporting a phenomenal 25.7% increase in online gambling revenues in 2024.

Ethiopia: A Playground of (Selective) Gambling Freedom- Gambling is generally legal in Ethiopia.- Land-based sports betting and lotteries are fully embraced.- A lone casino can be found in Addis Ababa, the nation's capital.

The Influence of Religion and Technology- Religion playfully dances with gambling regulations, creating a heavy influence on gambling laws, particularly in Muslim majority countries where gambling clashes with Islamic values.- The digital revolution, particularly mobile and internet technology, has ignited the rapid expansion of gambling across Africa.- A phenomenal 91% of African gambling takes place via mobile devices, according to recent surveys.- Experts, like Weldon Koros, herald the use of AI in managing gambling risks and promoting responsible gaming.- Affordability checks are essential within the economically challenged African community, protecting consumers while fostering growth.

In the heart of Morocco, where gambling is prevalent, technology attributes such as smartphone usage and advanced mobile networks have significantly influenced the gambling landscape.
Despite its negative connotation in some Islamic nations, gambling, particularly online gambling, has become more prevalent in Africa, mirroring the prevalence of smartphone ownership and mobile network access.
The African gambling scene is considerably dominated by smartphone-driven gambling, with 91% of gaming activities occurring on these devices, a testament to the continent's technology advancements.
The prevalence of gambling in Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, underscores the complex interplay between religion, gambling regulations, and technology advancements in Africa's gambling landscape.