The Future of iGaming Market in Australia - 2025 & Beyond

The penetration of smartphones in sub-Saharan Africa has reached new heights in the past few years. According to Canalys’s statistics from the first quarter of 2025, shipments climbed 6% from last year, reaching 19.4 million units. The increase in smartphone usage created a ripple effect that has resulted in economic growth, financial inclusion, educational and digital literacy, and an improvement in governance. 

The availability of smartphones also helps the availability of iGaming platforms. In Africa, mobile gaming is gaining popularity among all sections of society for various reasons. While people with a disposable income view online gaming as a casual pastime, some see it as an opportunity to make money, especially since poverty and unemployment are common in several regions.  

African governments that have legalized online betting are learning from more developed markets in order to strengthen their regulatory frameworks. As revenue from licensing and taxation of platforms increases, these governments are also doing their best to balance the promotion of growth in the industry with the protection of consumer rights. This includes displaying a list of licensed operators, measures for self-exclusion, protection of minors, regulated advertising, and incorporation of responsible gambling.  

The emergence of iGaming events such as conferences, exhibitions and summits is also contributing to the increasing popularity of iGaming throughout the continent. These events help industry professionals build networks, exchange knowledge, and scope out upcoming changes or advancements in the business. 

During these events, professionals and authorities get together to discuss various things including the future direction of the industry, growing opportunities in underrepresented areas, common challenges experienced by those in the industry, and upcoming innovations or breakthroughs. Some events of great importance taking place in the African continent are the BiG Africa Summit, iGaming Conference Africa 2025 and iGF East Africa 2025. 

This whitepaper serves as a guide for operators wanting to start an iGaming business in Africa by discussing current and potential markets, local payment systems and preferences.  

Online Gambling Regulations and Licensing  

This section details the regulatory frameworks and measures of current and future African iGaming markets. 

1.1 iGaming in South Africa 

The regulatory landscape of online gambling in South Africa is tricky. Under the National Gambling Act 2004, while online casinos are completely banned, online sports betting is legal so long as providers are licensed. The National Gambling Board (NGB) regulates online betting throughout the country, but each province also has its own regulatory body. Operators have to apply to the relevant provincial authority to obtain a license. 

Online casino operators, however, have found legal loopholes around the ban by either tweaking their games to fit under fixed-odds betting (which is allowed under certain licences) or through Limited Payout Machines (LPM). This is enabled by regulators in more liberal provinces, such as the South Cape and Northwest. While the 2004 Act has been amended several times, several modification proposals have tried to legalize online gambling so that it can be regulated. 

1.2 iGaming in Nigeria 

In Nigeria, online gambling is currently a grey area, as there have been neither steps to legalize nor ban it. The now-defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) was the regulatory body for all forms of cross-border and international betting. It was established through the National Lottery Act, 2005.  

In 2024, the Supreme Court nullified the 2005 Act to place regulation in the hands of individual states, following a 2008 suit filed by several states that questioned the legal right of the Federal Government to regulate betting and lotteries throughout the country. 

Earlier this year, the government proposed a Central Gaming Bill, which will finally address online gambling. Through this Bill, the government is set to take action regarding both local and offshore operators that offer services to Nigerians. A new regulatory body would be created to take over the duties of the NLRC. This Bill, however, is experiencing pushback from state governments as it will eliminate their power and place lottery betting regulation back in the hands of the federal government. 

1.3 iGaming in Kenya 

In early 2025, Kenya held the record for second-highest number of sports bettors. The Kenyan government took its first steps for the regulation of gambling in 1966 through the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (revised 2012), which also established the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). The BCLB has introduced measures for self-exclusion and taken steps to raise entry barriers so only serious operators could stay in the market. 

In 2023, a new draft Bill was introduced but has not been approved yet. This Bill lays out reforms such as age verification, responsible gambling programs and new licensing rules. On 29th April 2025, the BCLB imposed a nationwide 30-day gambling advertising ban. After this ban, it introduced new reforms to protect minors and at-risk individuals by restricting advertising. 

1.4 iGaming in Ghana 

Online betting in Ghana is supervised and regulated by the Gaming Commission of Ghana, which was established through the Gaming Act, 2006. The Commission also issues licences for operators and regulates the advertising of gambling.  

Recently, the Commission was focusing on the promotion of responsible gambling while focusing on mental health and gambling addiction, which is becoming a major problem. It has also introduced advertising restrictions in order to protect minors and increase risk awareness.  

In 2023, an amendment was made to the Income Tax Act to impose a 10% tax on players’ winnings. Earlier this year, the Government announced this was being repealed, a decision that created great controversy. On June 12, 2025, a new governing board for the Commission was sworn in to eliminate underage participation in gambling, address the issue of illegal operators and promote responsible gambling.  

1.5 iGaming in Tanzania 

According to Statista, the Tanzanian gambling market is expected to reach a value of US$568.63 million in 2025. The market is regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania, which was established under Gaming Act Cap. 41 in 2003. All kinds of betting activities are allowed in the country, so long as operators providing services have received the appropriate licences from the Board.  

This year, the Government will be taking several steps to address illegal gambling activity and ensure responsible gambling. It aims for a high number of licence issues and renewals to prevent unlicensed operators from entering the market and increase revenue from the sector in order to allocate these funds to introduce reforms.  

1.6 iGaming in Uganda 

Uganda’s regulatory body, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda (NLGRB), was established under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016. While the Act does not legally recognize online gambling, only licensed online platforms are allowed to offer services in the country. Other NLGRB responsibilities include approving software, equipment and premises, ensuring responsible gambling and collecting taxes. 

In an attempt to regulate the market to balance its growth with consumer protection, several changes have been introduced over the years. In 2019, the President declared that no new licenses would be issued for sports betting, and existing licenses would not be renewed. The 2016 Act was amended in 2023 to increase taxation from 20% to 30%. In June 2025, the chairman of the NLGRB urged the Government to introduce new regulatory laws.  

While several African markets are still vastly unregulated, several governments are now taking steps to introduce legislations and reforms to support the growth of iGaming while protecting players from financial risk and other factors. 

Payment Methods 

2.1 Payment Cards 

While not as popular in Africa, credit and debit cards are still frequently used for payments on online betting platforms. These cards ensure safety and security during transaction processes through 2FA (two-factor authentication) and fraud protection. They are also accessible and convenient for most players. Mastercard and Visa cards are a frequent choice. 

The use of credit cards for betting, however, is increasingly being banned in several countries due to its encouragement of financial risk and debt. Kenya’s 2023 draft Bill proposes a ban on credit card gambling, and certain banks have prevented the use of credit/debit cards for any gambling-related transactions. Therefore, it is important for operators to check the legal status of this payment method according to local laws. 

Prepaid cards are also used by several bettors as they offer complete anonymity and set financial limits for players. Players do not have to enter any financial or personal details, nor can they spend more money than is on the card. Prepaid cards like PaySafeCard are also easily available both online and in local stores. 

2.2 M-PESA  

First launched in Kenya in 2007, M-PESA has now spread to several African countries and is quickly becoming one of the biggest mobile banking services in the region. Its emergence has led to financial inclusion for those that have no access to or cannot afford traditional banking. It has also led to increased connectivity for rural areas and ensures transparency and security through measures like transaction PINs, KYC protocols, data protection, SMS confirmations, and regular monitoring of transactions.  

Players can use this platform to send money from their phones to other bank accounts, make cross-border transactions to countries that support M-PESA and exchange cash for electronic funds, or vice versa.  

2.3 MTN 

Created in South Africa in 1994 and now operating in over 20 African and Middle-Eastern countries, MTN MoMo (Mobile Money) is a digital wallet that can be used to store funds, make purchases and send and receive money. It supports cross-border payments with a streamlined process and low costs that make it affordable for users. 

As of quarter 1 of 2025, the service has 296.8 million subscribers. In Uganda, MTN MoMo is launching a new virtual card in collaboration with Mastercard to facilitate safe and seamless online payments without a physical card or bank account.  

2.4 Airtel Money   

Offered by Airtel Africa and first launched in Kenya in 2011, Airtel Money is an e-wallet that allows users to send, receive, store and manage money on their phones. It acts as a gateway and supports a variety of payment methods while also giving users the benefit of fast transactions, low costs, streamlined processes that result in convenience, accessibility, and even options for players without a bank account.  

Airtel Money also supports cross-border transactions, gives players bonuses and rewards for usage, and is accessible 24/7. Its extensive security measures include PIN protection, encryption, fraud detection, and 2FA (two-factor authentication) as well as extensive monitoring for fraud prevention. Airtel Africa is partnering up with Mastercard to create the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card and provide customers with a better international transaction experience. 

2.5 Digital Vouchers 

Digital vouchers are increasingly being used as an alternative payment method. As the perfect balance between cash-based and digital, they help bridge the gap for those that cannot rely on banks but fear being left behind by the digital revolution. 

Vouchers do not require players to input their personal details or engage in lengthy processes in order to use them. They are also easily available at all kinds of shops. This anonymity ensures that players’ transactions are secure and limit risks of fraud. They also encourage financial responsibility as players cannot spend more than the value of the voucher. Examples of these are World Sports Betting (WSB) Vouchers and OTT Voucher. 

2.6 Cryptocurrency   

Cryptocurrencies are emerging as a fresh and modern method of transaction, especially in developing regions that suffer due to inflation and fluctuating currency values. Cryptocurrency transactions offer players greater privacy and security as no financial information or personal details are required.  

Cryptocurrency is a great option for those that do not use traditional methods or have bank accounts. It is quicker, cheaper, more transparent and allows users to cross-check their payments. People that use cryptocurrency also have global access without the complications of currency conversion or additional fees.  

One problem faced by cryptocurrency users is the lack of regulation in certain countries. While there is no ban, in countries like Uganda, the lack of regulation may prove risky for users as the Government will not be able to take action or protect its citizens in case of financial harm. Countries like Ghana and Nigeria are taking steps to legalize and regulate the use of cryptocurrencies with new laws.  

Popular Games and Trends 

Due to the ban on online casinos in certain African countries, players’ main focus is sports betting. Online sportsbooks are flourishing and slots, in regions where they are legalized and regulated, are also a common choice for players. 

3.1 Sports 

The most popular sport throughout the continent is association football or soccer. Over the past few decades, football has been promoted among the youth of Africa and is considered an accessible sport to play, so much so that it has become part of the culture. The consistent success of African players, both domestically and internationally, is also a reason for its large fanbase. In addition to this, there are several tournaments held during different seasons and in different locations, which keeps viewers’ interest in the sport alive.  

In 2023, nearly 2 billion people watched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a once-in-two-year continent-wide football tournament. Its 35th edition will take place in Morocco from December 21st, 2025, to January 18th, 2026. This event is also gaining attention from other continents like Europe, which allows people to connect and bet internationally. 

As more and more Africans take part in the NBA, the continent’s interest in basketball is starting to grow. Initiatives have been taken by several governments and organizations like NBA Africa and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to increase interest in the sport by building appropriate infrastructure. 

People are starting to bet on events like the NBA as well as BAL (Basketball Africa League). NBA is an event that has captured the attention of the entire world, which, much like football, gives bettors an opportunity to interact and place bets globally. BAL, despite having been established recently in 2019, is also gaining attention from punters.  

The participation and success of rugby teams like the South African ‘Springboks’ and the Kenya Sevens in the past few decades of international tournaments is slowly generating bettors’ interest in the sport. The 2023 men's Rugby World Cup (RWC) is estimated to have had a total of 1.33 billion viewing hours. The next RWC will be taking place in 2027 in Australia. 

3.2 e-Sports  

The term e-sports refers to organized multiplayer video game competitions that can be either individual or team-based. It has recently been gaining traction in Africa, especially among its burgeoning youth. Sponsors are also promoting the activity by investing in equipment or partnering up to support teams. The e-sports betting market revenue is expected to reach US$37.5 million this year. 

An event that will attract many bettors is the Carry1st Africa cup 2025, which will be taking place in August in Lagos, Nigeria. It is open to 7 African regions and offers the winner qualification for the CODM World Championship 2025.  

Talks have been going on between professionals about integrating e-sports with sportsbooks in a method similar to traditional sports betting in order to popularize it among older generations of bettors. 

3.3 Casino Games 

In recent years, players have been shifting from brick-and-mortar casinos to online casinos. In countries where online casinos are legalized and regulated, players prefer online slots, card games like poker, blackjack and baccarat, and table games like roulette. 

Blackjack is a card game that can be found in every casino, both retail and offline. It is a fast-paced game that offers players better odds and is easy to understand for beginners. Even though blackjack cannot be won entirely by strategy and requires at least a little luck, it gives bigger payouts to those with skill. 

Known for its large number of variations and skill required in the long run, online poker gives players the advantage of 24/7 availability, large range of choices, varying length of games and lower minimum bets than retail casinos. 

Baccarat, another popular card game, is known for its fast pace, easy rules and low house advantage, which creates a chance for high returns. While it is a common choice for high rollers, i.e. players that prefer high stakes and large bets, online platforms can also have lower minimum bets to cater to players that are on a budget. 

Roulette, arguably the biggest casino table game in the world, has also gained a following in Africa. As it values luck over skill, roulette can be played by anyone. Most online casinos offer both European and American roulette as well allowing players to choose between live-dealer or RNG-based games based on preference. 

Slots are extremely popular due to their diverse themes and styles, lower house edge, and unpredictability. They offer players bonuses like cashbacks and free spins. Nowadays, slots are also becoming more transparent and trustworthy with the use of RNGs (Random Number Generators), which ensure that the game is provably fair and not rigged.  

How KodeDice Can Help 

KodeDice is an online casino and sportsbook development and solutions company that helps its clients achieve success by creating platforms that not only meet but surpass industry standards, while also making sure they are tailored to the visions of our clients. 

We offer an extensive range of managed services including CRM, CMS and API integrations, aggregators, and PAM interfaces. We make efforts to keep all our software solutions up to date with regulations as well as ensure strong security and risk management. 

We also offer a versatile casino/sportsbook payment system that supports all kinds of payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, bank transfers, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies along with multi-layer security and respective fraud prevention protocols. 

For more information, get in touch with us.