Online betting has grown rapidly across Africa, offering entertainment and economic opportunities, yet several nations have started banning or restricting it. Why is this? And how are betting companies like 22Bet responding?
The Rise of Online Betting in Africa
In recent years, online betting has exploded in popularity across Africa with widespread mobile phone use and affordable internet. Millions now place stakes on sports, casino games, and virtual events.
For many, it is a means to earn quick money in challenging economic times, but for others, it’s just fun. This rapid growth has also brought problems with it, though, leading some states to take action.
Reasons Behind the Bans
Several factors are driving African nations to restrict or ban online gaming:
- Addiction and Social Harm – Many worry about addiction, especially among young people.
- Fraud and Scams – Fake sites and rigged games have cheated many, eroding trust in the industry.
- Money Laundering Risks – Governments fear illegal funds are being moved through such platforms.
- Religious and Cultural Concerns – In some countries, playing with money conflicts with religious beliefs.
How Operators Are Adapting
Betting firms aren’t giving up just yet, and instead, they’re finding new ways to stay competitive, like:
1. Shifting to Legal Markets
Some operators are moving to countries where the market is still legal, like when Kenya tightened rules, many firms expanded into Tanzania and Zambia, where regulations are looser. Others are working with governments to get proper licenses, as by following the rules, they hope to avoid bans.
2. Promoting Responsibility
To fight addiction concerns, sites now offer:
- Self-exclusion tools (letting users block themselves from betting).
- Deposit limits (capping how much players can spend).
- Awareness campaigns (educating users on risks).
3. Using Crypto
Some operators now accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to evade banking regulations and target individuals in prohibited areas. Others aim at a fairer and more transparent option through the use of AI and blockchain, minimizing the risk of fraud.
The Role of Local Economies
A further reason why African nations should crack down on this industry is the impact it has on the local economy. Even while these sectors generate revenue, a big part of it leaves the country, as many operators are foreign-owned. As a result, the profits go elsewhere rather than supporting domestic businesses.
Another aspect that makes African countries crack down on this industry is that it affects their economies. Although these sectors act as a source of revenue, a good percentage drains out of the country, as many of these operators are foreign-owned.
Some nations, like South Africa, have attempted to strike a compromise and make it mandatory to have betting companies finance the local sport or community causes. If customers spend too much on gaming and have less money for clothing and food, local sellers may also suffer.
In response to this, some countries are considering having state-owned gaming sites, which help to keep the profits at home, although they are still regulated. Uganda has created its own national lottery to compete with the individual service providers, for example.