Online casinos are gaining more traction in Africa than ever. Even though the African market accounts for slightly over one percent of the world’s online gambling, it has come a long way.
Foreign investors are putting their money on Africa, and casino lovers now have more options than ever. Even though gambling rules vary between countries, there is a general sense of acceptance.
Casinos like Nitro Live are growing rapidly throughout the continent by providing quality services. Below are the casinos leading in adoption of online casinos in Africa.
1. Kenya
In 2019, the Kenyan government introduced the Gaming Bill as a way to regulate the country’s online gambling market. The government also introduced a taxation rule in 2019.
The local government planned on adding an extra 20 percent to the existing 15 percent tax on gross gaming revenue.
The country’s Betting Control and the Licensing Board are charged $4200 for application. Foreigners have to pay double. Kenya’s market is one of the biggest ones in Africa. Even though it is highly regulated, betting enthusiasts enjoy sports betting. About seven million Kenyans gamble. Most enjoy football.
2. Nigeria
With a population of over 200 million people, it is no surprise that Nigeria is one of Africa’s biggest betting markets. It is a powerful economic force, and it has a lot of potential for the online casino industry. Nigeria is the second-biggest gambling market in the continent.
In 2004, the government lifted its ban on gambling, and most people dropped the stigma surrounding online casinos. Today, most Nigerians have already embraced online casinos. About 30 percent of Nigerians now bet on sports daily. Studies suggest that they spend $2 billion on sports betting annually.
The most popular betting category is European football. The Spanish LaLiga and the British Premier League are at the top of the list.
3. South Africa
This is Africa’s biggest gambling market. The country’s gross gaming market will likely hit 2.3 billion by 2023. One of the biggest contributors to the growth of this market is the high GDP. South Africa’s GDP is the third highest in Africa.
Sports betting revenue accounts for 24 percent of the total gross revenue. However, it will double within the next five years. Almost half of South African adults bet on sports regularly. The most popular sports to bet on include golf, cricket, football, and rugby.
Even though the country has a ban on online casinos, the industry is growing pretty fast. The National Gambling Act of 2004 bans all online games of chance. This includes slots and card games. However, this only applies for operators. Players can indulge in all types of games
4. Ghana
The Gaming Commission of Ghana made a regulatory framework establishing an inviting work environment for foreign operators. They hit this milestone after years of work. Although the country’s online gambling market isn’t huge yet, it is one of the most stable ones on the continent.
The rules and regulations are favorable, and the market size is decent. As more people acquire smartphones, the market size keeps expanding. The prices of licenses from the Gaming Commission depend on the nature of operations. However, the cost is pretty fair.
5. Uganda
Ugandan authorities introduced a regulatory framework known as the Lotteries and Gaming Act in 2016. Even though it doesn’t apply to the online gambling industry, the National Gaming Board of the country licenses online casinos.
Investors need licenses from the Board, and they are required to pay a small fee. To encourage local investors, the body has a lower fee for them. Gambling operators keep 15 percent of player winnings. They pay 20 percent as gross gaming revenue.
Why Have Online Casinos Become So Popular in Africa?
There are many reasons behind the growth of online casinos in Africa. Smartphones are now widespread. They are user-friendly, affordable, and you can easily bet on the go.
Even though most gambling enthusiasts bet on sports, casino games have become pretty popular as well. The industry is growing just as fast as in other parts of the world.
Unlike in the past, there aren’t many restrictions on online gambling. Even in countries where online gambling isn’t legal, you can take advantage of the legal gray areas and enjoy your favorite games. Here are a few reasons why online casinos are becoming so popular.
1. Convenience
This is the main reason behind the growth of online casinos in Africa. Players no longer want to travel to a physical location to enjoy their favorite casino games. You don’t need to put on a suit or stick to a schedule.
With online casinos, you can place bets from the comfort of your home. The casinos are open 24/7, so there are no time restrictions. Mobile betting allows you to place bets on the go. With an internet connection and a smartphone, you can place a bet from wherever you are women.
2. Versatility
The online gambling world is very versatile. You can access hundreds of games with just one tap on the screen. There are hundreds of markets, and you can never run out of options to check out. Online casinos have both new games and classics. You don’t have to wait your turn before playing.
3. Top-Notch Security
African online casinos have come a long way with security. Many of them allow you to register with an alias. You may not have to reveal your name or personal information. The anonymity keeps things discrete and creates an overall sense of security.
Knowing that the casino doesn’t hold any of your sensitive information can give you a sense of security. Operators also use modern security systems to protect your data. SSL encryption ensures that your information cannot fall into the hands of third parties.
4. Customer Support
Another reason why online casinos are so popular is that the quality of customer support has improved. If you have a question or problem, you can get the support you need in just a few minutes. The best customer support teams offer help though various channels. They include phone, mail, and live chat. Some may offer help on their social media platforms.