The ManicaPost
Although Africa is a pretty diverse continent when it comes to cultures, languages, and religions, there is one thing that connects all the locals, and that is a genuine passion for sports. Not only do Africans love watching sports, but they also frequently engage in betting on those same sports, both online and offline. Thanks to such high demand for wagering, the industry is thriving across the continent, and this article will help you understand the different sports betting trends in Africa.
The Rise of Online Wagering
The online betting scene has been expanding rapidly in Africa, mostly thanks to the increased availability of portable devices, widespread internet connection, as well as the growth of the middle class. In fact, the continent’s online sports betting market is expected to reach a revenue of $0.86 billion by the end of this year. Of course, mobile penetration is the key driver here, since it revolutionised the ease of access to virtual sportsbooks in the area. Additionally, it enables the locals to place their bets on the go. Even though the practice is now popular in different countries on the continent, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are the market leaders.
The Key Sports Betting Trends in the Area
Now it’s time to dive into the main sports wagering trends you should be aware of:
Mobile Wagering Apps
As mentioned above, the availability of smartphones played a huge role in the development of the industry, and wagering through portable devices remains one of the leading trends in the area. With more than 400 million smartphone users on the continent, many bookies have also launched tailored Android and iOS apps. For instance, the majority of the reputable leading betting sites in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya feature mobile apps where punters can enjoy an impeccable user experience on many different devices, regardless of the screen size.
Regulatory Changes
The African online gambling market is still underdeveloped when you compare it with the United States and Europe, but it has come a long way since the 1990s when the first regulations were introduced. The National Lottery in South Africa paved the way for the legalization of sports betting and other types of wagering in several countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Fortunately, the regulatory development process continues to evolve, and many regions are beginning to embrace more favourable frameworks for online gambling. Not only is this great news for online bettors, but it also serves as a boost to the local economy, since there are many large international companies interested in tapping into the African market.
Promotions and Bonuses
Attractive bonuses and promotions are among the main reasons why many punters prefer online bookies to land-based ones. It has become common practice for virtual sportsbooks to treat their members with exciting rewards. For operators, it is a great strategy to attract new bettors and keep the seasoned ones entertained, and for users, it is a chance to play much more for their money. Such promotions come in different forms, but the most popular ones are deposit bonuses, free bets, and cashback offers.
Virtual Sports
Besides Next to the popularity of live sporting events, there is also a growing interest in their virtual counterparts. Virtual sports are computer-generated simulations of sporting events and games that feature realistic odds and visuals.
Like much of the world, Africans are passionate about sports like football, basketball, horse racing, and MMA. Much like the real thing, virtual games offer locals a steady stream of betting options, catering to their individual preferences. Likewise, African punters are known for their tendency to place numerous low-value wagers, and having a wide range of options, real or virtual, benefits their betting habits.
The enduring love for sports is a unifying factor among African people, which in turn further fuels their passion for sports betting. With the widespread interest in wagering and the continued development of mobile technologies, the industry is thriving. If the trend continues, this growth is only expected to rise in the foreseeable future.
