5 Trends that will shape South Africas online betting landscape in 2024 u

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betting in africa

However, many iGaming premier bet zone tanzania companies decided to abandon this market once the government threatened to introduce an additional 20% tax on casino stakes, as the prospect of investing in an unstable market was by no means appealing. Software developers are developing sports betting features that focus on personalisation where your previous betting performance will be taken into account using recommendation engines. This helps punters make better informed decisions based on their betting and improves the whole sports betting experience.

The best bookmakers have fair terms with reasonable playthrough requirements, so you can withdraw your winnings instead of getting caught in frustrating endless rollovers. Before accepting any welcome bonus, make sure that the terms are fair and achievable, ensuring they’re aligned with what you’re comfortable with. Traditional casinos are increasingly building online gambling platforms to take advantage of the demand in online betting and gambling.

Technological innovations and mobile betting apps

  • There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.
  • This Act legalized other forms of gambling in the Province and provided for the establishment of the Gauteng Gambling Board.
  • In the past things were a little difficult because the rules that form part of the National Gambling Act were not altogether clear.
  • Over time, strategists from all over the world have developed numerous tactics meant to maximise the winning chances of bettors.
  • Globally, betting and gambling activity, particularly in sport, is on the rise.
  • We highlight the best betting sites that offer you fast loading slots that are especially developed for mobile gameplay.
  • This partnership marked Play’n GO’s first foray into South Africa, expanding Betway’s gaming portfolio and offering users a wider array of entertainment options.

This OTP is usually sent to the account holder’s mobile number, thus making it difficult for fraudsters to transact with stolen credit cards. Ultimately, sports betting in South Africa is like any other, but will boil down to your preference. Given the rapid expansion of the Internet across the continent and its good availability, the football fan base and audience in other sports continues to grow. The main focus of betting is among young people under the age of 25, most of whom, moreover, are unemployed and see betting as an opportunity to get good winnings.

Unlike boxing, which focuses solely on punches, MMA incorporates striking, grappling, and ground fighting, influencing how odds are set and bets are made. The local market is dominated by Betway, Hollywoodbets, PlayaBets and Easybet. Slots and Aviator are growing rapidly, both at over 100% per annum, and stand to become the games of preference to the average person in SouthAfrica. SportsBoom brings you all the best of SA rugby, from the latest news to exclusive interviews.

betting in africa

In June 2021, the group paid $281.5m to increase its stake in BetKing, a digital and sports entertainment platform that focuses on Africa, to 49%. Blue Lake Ventures, which traded as BetKing, subsequently changed its name to KingMakers. Of the total, betting generated 60.5% of industry GGR at R35.9bn, with casinos leading the charge, at R17.4bn, about 29% of the pie. There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years. There was sizeable growth in the average bet size during 2023, a sign that South Africans had no doubts about the prospects of the Springboks. Basketball is also popular with South African punters and is appealing to bettors who have the appetite to risk more per bet.

From tradition to technology: The evolution of sports betting in South Africa

All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster. Among the popular bookmakers in Africa is the famous Parimatch, which allows you to place bets on popular world events, as well as African championships and competitions. The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors. Digital credit and specifically mobile money credit has grown leaps and bounds since they were introduced in East Africa.

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Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling. Betway places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling, ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting safe betting practices. The company is accredited by international testing agency eCOGRA and supports the Responsible Gambling Trust, reflecting its dedication to ethical operations. This commitment has fostered trust and loyalty among its user base, establishing Betway as a reputable and reliable platform in the South African betting industry. With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years. There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.

Best Soccer Bookmakers in South Africa

US sports such as the National Basketball Association (NBA)  and National Football League (NFL) have also attracted a new betting audience in South Africa. In conclusion, sports betting in South Africa is a vibrant and evolving industry. While it offers entertainment and economic benefits, responsible practices and adherence to legal frameworks are essential for its sustainable growth. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of sports betting in the region. Both BetGames and Evolution Live Dealer Games are fully licensed in South Africa and hence playing these games is safe and legal. Please ensure you play at a betting site with a South African gaming license and not in one of the many online casinos.

betting in africa

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Furthermore improving accessibility and convenience for users is having a specific mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones. Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site. There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites.

Afrirent Holdings sets its sights on West African gaming, lottery and betting market expansion

One of the biggest factors in the growth of sports betting is simply increased awareness and visibility. While it’s true that advertising and sponsorships can only take you so far, they do make a significant difference. Sportingbet accepts more than one million unique bets per day, and on some days even more than two million. Ultimately, in a nation as obsessed with sports as South Africa, sports betting will likely keep growing.

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We preview the upcoming quarter final clash between Leinster and Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship. Nine80 Digital Media is a digital publishing company that represents the full spectrum of digital content publishing and advertising. We currently have over 15 digital platforms in South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana And Nigeria and we reach millions of monthly unique youth visitors every month. Betway’s significant investments in sponsorships have been pivotal to its prominence in South Africa. In July 2024, Betway secured a three-year deal worth approximately R900 million to become the title sponsor of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, now known as the Betway Premiership.

Top 10 Horse Racing Betting Sites in South Africa

For many, particularly those with limited financial resources, the appeal of a big win can be incredibly tempting. Instead of earning easy money, those who indulge in excessive gambling frequently face financial strain, said John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual. Further enhancing its online casino offerings, Betway collaborated with Playtech in September 2024. This alliance added premium casino and live casino games to Betway’s South African platform, providing users with a comprehensive and engaging gaming experience. How Betway Became One Of The Most Popular Sports Betting Platforms In South Africa. Betway, established in 2006, has rapidly ascended to become one of South Africa’s most prominent betting platforms.

  • Advertising from betting companies further fuels this trend, increasing participation within this demographic.
  • In the realm of cricket, Betway became the title sponsor of the SA20 cricket competition in January 2023.
  • If you’ve already submitted your documents you can email to check the status of your account.
  • It found that pathological gamblers were five to ten times more likely to have a history of suicide attempts than non-gamblers.
  • Gross lottery ticket sales increased in 2016 and contributions to the NLDTF from ticket sales rose by 27.9% in 2016 to R1.37 billion.

By focusing on these areas, Betway has not only captured a significant market share but also set a benchmark for excellence in the competitive world of online betting. In a bold move to expand its influence and footprint in Africa, Afrirent Holdings, a renowned investment company led by Senzo Tsabedze, is venturing into the vibrant gaming, lottery, and betting market of West Africa. With a history of success and a strong presence in South Africa, Afrirent Holdings is now setting its sights on the exciting opportunities offered by the dynamic entertainment sector in the West African region. Right up until 1996, any punters wanting to gamble on horse racing had to do it at the track. After 1996, it became possible for players to gamble online and horse betting is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa.

Similar to the rest of African countries, the sports betting sector makes for the vast majority of the GGR. And, according to yearly statistics, over 30% of the entire population places bets on sports every single day. It is no surprise then that Nigerians spend over $2-billion every year on sports betting.

Nevertheless, there are a few references that give us a satisfying backstory. Marshalls World of Sport is a National Group, suggesting people’s betting on Horse Racing, local or international sport and Lucky Numbers. Relates to various typesof gambling conducted online including poker, slot games, bingo and others. These gamesare influenced more so by probabilities with significantly less ability to analyse the game.

Despite the challenges posed by the growth of online betting and gaming, the industry remains a key contributor to the South African economy, providing employment and tax revenue, as well as entertainment for millions of people. We South Africans love being out and about but don’t want to miss out on watching a certain rugby or soccer match. Additionally, live betting makes placing bets possible after a game has started.

A 2011 report found that online gambling should be made legal, but this has still not happened. There have been repeated promises from the South African government and Trade and Industry Ministers that online gambling in the form of casino games such as poker will be made legal. The Gambling Act of 1965 officially banned all forms of gambling except betting on horse racing. Towards the end of the 1970s casinos started operating in the independent areas called homelands. Only native South Africans lived in these areas and most weren’t able to access such establishments. Figures from 1995 such there were as many as 2000 illegal casinos operating in the country.

By simply clicking a few buttons most people with a mobile money account are able to request for a micro loan which is credited to their mobile money accounts from the various service providers. Providers of mobile money credit in both countries are many with the likes of MShwari, KCB MPesa, Equity Eazzy, Tala, MCoop Cash and Branch being among the popular ones. Within a few seconds the borrowers are credited the money after accepting the terms and conditions of the loan. In Kenya 54% of active mobile money users have an outstanding mobile money loan while the figure is 60% in Tanzania.

  • Bettors can use betting apps like the hollywood bet app or betting websites.
  • In the US, the industry has seen a major boost as the market has become more liberalised.
  • Some punters might be very familiar with the do’s and don’ts of betting online.
  • Hence, the evolution of the online gambling market has been indefintely stalled for the moment, with only a few companies willing to still take a chance on the Kenyan market.
  • However, the industry also faces significant challenges that must be overcome if it is to reach its full potential.
  • There needs to be a consideration for the local audience, what they want to bet on and how they will make use of our platform” concludes Chelin.

This partnership marked Play’n GO’s first foray into South Africa, expanding Betway’s gaming portfolio and offering users a wider array of entertainment options. Resolving any problems bettors could run across on the site depends on good customer service. Depending on live chat, email, or phone, reliable help enables quick resolution of any questions or issues. For users who place bets across live events in various time zones, 24-hour customer assistance is very helpful. In this regard, the gambling industry is currently much like the retail industry of South Africa, which is also showing promising signs of growth despite the economic slowdown that the whole country is experiencing. At any rate, optimism has returned to the South African economy, as most top executives are confident in the country’s future, and are temping up their plans for investment.

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If you’re wondering whether sports betting and online gambling is legal in South Africa, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to help you gain a better understanding of the history of sports betting and also clear up any confusion about a number of the rules currently in place. From the very beginning, the country has put rushing limitations on gambling (including sports betting) since 1673.

South African government statistics reveal that more than 50 percent of South African adults place sports bets on an ongoing basis. In spite of different religion, language, age, social status, race, culture or political views, people all over South Africa have 1 mutual thing – they are wild sport fans. If we mix it with 1.3 billion inhabitants of which around 40 percent is under the age of 15, and a median age of only 19.7 years, we will receive a greatly seductive and profitable market for sports SA bookmakers. Fraudsters use stolen credit card details to top up their account, which means using illegitimate money to pocket real wins. In South Africa, banking institutions have uniform online payment systems and have implemented 3D security which requires the entering of a one-time password (“OTP”).

  • Further enhancing its online casino offerings, Betway collaborated with Playtech in September 2024.
  • However, many iGaming companies decided to abandon this market once the government threatened to introduce an additional 20% tax on casino stakes, as the prospect of investing in an unstable market was by no means appealing.
  • They are a quality business with a demonstrable track record of success, and we believe they will add immense value to our business and long-term value creation.
  • The development of sophisticated betting platforms and mobile betting apps in league with the Betway app has revolutionised how bettors engage with sports events.
  • On the assumption of pretty recent research 60 million locals of SA in the age group of 18 – 40 are active sports gamblers.
  • “The rise of AI in sports betting is particularly focused on gambling controls; limiting customer exposure to risk at an individual level.

Best Sports Betting App in Africa

Furthermore, integration with digital payment systems has facilitated secure and convenient transactions for bettors. The convenience of placing bets from a smartphone or computer has transformed the betting landscape, making it more accessible than ever. Top sports betting sites in South Africa offer a range of options, from live betting to virtual games, catering to a wide array of preferences. Initially, it was restricted primarily to horse racing, which has been a popular pastime since the 18th century. Over the years, the scope of betting expanded to include other sports like soccer, rugby, and cricket, which are immensely popular in South Africa.