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

As part of our analysis of the online gambling sector in Africa, we find it necessary to elaborate on the great role live casino games have played in the expansion of the industry throughout the continent. “The rise of AI in sports betting is particularly focused on gambling controls; limiting customer exposure to risk at an individual level. It switches our player protection approach from reactive to proactive, and allows players to receive the intervention they need in real time, not after the fact. AI features in sports betting have real-time interaction triggers, generated when the system’s AI identifies increased risk factors in a player’s behaviour. Roulette, which has been traditionally popular in land-based casinos, is now growing online. It is now the most popular casino game by revenue and players typically bet much larger amounts than other types of casino games, around R250 per bet.

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The Live Games content is very varied, ranging from Game Show games such as Crazy Time, Megaball to Dream Catcher and the thrilling Lightning games range. For South African gamblers, an extensive range of payment options is absolutely necessary. Local payment options available on the finest betting sites include popular mobile payments like PayPal and cryptocurrencies as well as bank cards and e-wallets. Particularly if you want to cash out your gains, quick withdrawals and deposits are also absolutely vital. Fast withdrawal sites—especially those using e-wallets and cryptocurrencies—make the betting experience far more fulfilling.

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Subsequent amendments and regulations have further shaped the industry, confirming consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. This was a turning point for the betting industry in South Africa, as the legalisation of horse racing led to the establishment of many racetracks and the creation of a regulated betting industry. This not only provided a safe and controlled environment for people to bet on horse racing, but it also generated significant tax revenue for the government. Includes betting on sports events and horse racing where punters are essentially betting on the outcome of the particular event. For this, punters can analyse various factors that could increase the odds of their bet being successful.

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• This report covers casino gambling, limited payout machines (LPMs), betting (horse racing and sports), bingo and the National Lottery.
• This was a turning point for the betting industry in South Africa, as the legalisation of horse racing led to the establishment of many racetracks and the creation of a regulated betting industry.
• This is our list for ensuring you make the most of any sport bets you place on some of the most popular sports in South Africa.The reality is that online sports betting has changed the way we all engage with our favourite sports.
• Kickboxing and Muay Thai, with their emphasis on striking and aggressive exchanges, tend to produce more exciting and unpredictable fights, offering different betting opportunities.
• These laws ensure that betting operations are conducted in a controlled manner, with a focus on preventing underage betting and minimizing problem gambling.
• Betway’s significant investments in sponsorships have been pivotal to its prominence in South Africa.
• The finest betting sites provide several betting markets, such as match winners, player props, or even live event betting, so as to accommodate these tastes.
• Even if you have missed your bet before kick-off, you can jump into the action later on.

Betting on horse racing, rugby and football, for example, was allowed and was very popular because it was the only form of gambling that was allowed. The several fake accounts thereby benefit from new signup bonuses, coupons and other attractive offers by cashing out their promotional offers without actually playing. Traditionally, gambling operators offered large bonuses with low betting requirements which caused bonus/ promo abuse to be a great target for abuse. Gambling operators addressed this by lowering bonuses and implementing stricter requirements for withdrawing the bonus. Although this abuse is not always regarded as fraudulent activity, bookmakers hope to identify and block bonus abusers as soon as possible.

• Being quite possibly the most popular casino game from all over the world, Live Blackjack is the favourite table game of several gambling enthusiasts who are looking for a thrilling gaming experience.
• Blue Lake Ventures, which traded as BetKing, subsequently changed its name to KingMakers.
• By incorporating elements such as rewards, badges, and leaderboards, sports betting apps can keep users engaged and interested.
• There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right online betting site.
• So, place your bets with caution, celebrate your wins and learn from your losses – all while enjoying the beautiful game (or any other sport you fancy) from a whole new perspective.
• Even media and TV channels advertising online gambling services can be held liable.
• In South Africa, the story of betting and gambling is a relatively recent one, with the horse racing industry only becoming legal in 1965.

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The main goal of the game is to create a hand nearer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. Until 2004, all gambling activities were strictly banned on Nigerian territory. The future of the online casino industry is still unclear, but it will certainly be conditioned by future legal decisions that can either tempt or discourage investors to take a chance on the Kenyan market. 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. It started off as entertainment, for months it was fun until I slowly started sinking in debt’s.

We’ll be with you on every step of your betting journey, rooting for you and keeping you updated through our informative and entertaining blog posts. Stay tuned for the latest odds, betting tips, previews, and reviews of all the major sporting events taking place. With a focus on innovation, customer experience, and social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings is well-positioned to shape the future of gaming and entertainment in West Africa, bringing value and economic development to the region. For persons suffering with gambling addiction, these steps might involve self-exclusion options, expenses restrictions, or support service access. As we said, a lot of information concerning first SA bookies is unrevealed.

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There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right online betting site. Each site has its pros and cons and it all comes back to your individual preferences. Our team has put together extensive reviews to support your research so that you can make the right choice. Go through our list of Best Betting Sites, compare and then pick the one that feels right.

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“Gambling is not a reliable source of income, and without careful management, it can lead to serious financial setbacks. By increasing financial awareness and promoting responsible gambling, we can help people make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial risks,” Manyike concluded. For those who feel their gambling habits might be affecting their financial well-being, Manyike advises seeking support. “The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offers free and confidential counselling services,” he added. Additionally, professional counsellors who specialise in gambling addiction can provide guidance.

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After examining the surge in mobile credit and the rise of sports betting we put forth the conclusion that the digital credit has been an enabler to the growth of sports betting has in East Africa. This is because digital credit has enabled ease of access to funds which the borrowers then use for their digital gambling. This is inferred in that the average customer profile of sports betting is young people especially men who are also the most active on digital credit platforms (11).

Sports Betting

According to 2022 statistics data, Nigeria has the largest population and gross domestic product in all of Africa. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the country is currently the most profitable gambling market in sub-Saharan Africa, which translates to an average of 7% of the continent total. And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years. The progressive growth of economic prosperity in numerous African countries has become undeniably visible over the last quarter-century. The assistance and support I have received from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has been invaluable .

Popular Sports for Betting

The advent of the internet revolutionised the sports betting industry worldwide, and South Africa was no exception. Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. This shift allowed bettors to place wagers from the comfort of home using computers or mobile devices.

Navigating the game: A guide to sports betting in South Africa

This, along with the addition of ESPN, have contributed to a spike in betting on US sports,” says Chelin. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through UFC events, offers a distinct betting landscape compared to boxing. MMA fights can end in multiple ways such as knockout, submission, or decision. What makes Betway particularly attractive is the competitive welcome bonus of up to R1,000 for new sign-ups, enhancing the initial betting experience.

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.

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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.

Betway’s platform is praised for its intuitive design and a robust mobile application, ensuring a seamless betting experience. Globally, betting and gambling activity, particularly in sport, is on the rise. In July 2024, the group launched the Aviator casino game in SA through its KingMakers unit. The game, created by Spribe, now has more than 5-million monthly active players worldwide and is growing in popularity locally. Interestingly, there has been rapid growth in the popularity of darts, especially in 2023.

Tech making sports betting fun and accessible

• We recommend that more study on sports betting and digital credit to be done so that more evidence of this thesis is uncovered.
• More and more sites followed and now you can enjoy slots also on PalaceBet, YesPlay as well as brand-new LulaBet.
• Betting on the go, whenever and wherever we are, is getting increasingly popular.
• 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.
• One morning I sat at a machine with the hope of winning but instead lost R5 000 in 2 hours.
• In July 2024, the group launched the Aviator casino game in SA through its KingMakers unit.

In South Africa, gambling is heavily regulated by the National Gambling Act, No. 7 of 2004 and the National Gambling Board, as well as provincial gambling regulations. Gambling and betting companies therefore hold operating licences with provincial gambling boards. These regulations distinguish between online gambling and online betting.

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By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Currently, Africa is considered to be one of the most promising lucrative markets in the world where the iGaming companies could expand to. When compulsive gambling brought me to my knees, the NRGP was there to assist with treatment expenses, which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Their continued support, since, has included unlimited counsel by way of psychiatric and psychology care, both of which have included professional, yet nurturing guidance. I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being.

The rise of online betting platforms

In the past, you would have had to go to a physical bookmaker in order to place a bet. The full research paper by Robinson Mbae and Edmond Machengete explores the relationship of sports betting with digital credit, looking at how these have prevailed, the common consumer and amounts bet and borrowed. It also explores the role of regulation and education, and why its impact on financial inclusion and exclusion. You can also watch a recording of the webinar held to discuss this paper. This act established various provincial gambling boards responsible for licensing and regulating betting operators. The rise of the online gambling industry is closely tied https://betika.win/ to this wave of constant developments, which translated through a decrease in the overall price for internet connectivity in several African countries.

• It was not a main stream activity but mainly confined to casinos with expatriates and elites making up the bulk of their customers (1).
• East African Governments have also increased exponentially the taxes they levy on sport betting companies with most ranging at 15% and above (10).
• This has allowed people to place bets and play casino style games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical racetrack or casino.
• The activity has been banned in Uganda by the Ugandan president (6) and religious leaders in Tanzania have called for it to be curbed (7).
• The main provider is the WCGRB, Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, but there are actually a licensing board located in each province.
• In conclusion, sports betting in South Africa is a vibrant and evolving industry.
• Government regulation goes a long way to ensuring that people do feel that sense of safety.

Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent. Online gambling has also become a sector of interest for several foreign investors in other African countries. There is an ongoing legal conflict between the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lotteries Board, as both organisations are trying to impose regulations and collect licensing taxes.

This report covers casino gambling, limited payout machines (LPMs), betting (horse racing, sports and fixed odds), bingo and the National Lottery. So, while mobile apps have made sports betting more convenient and accessible for users around the world, their impact has been even greater in South Africa. Over the years, the user experience on those apps has also improved dramatically, further enhancing their appeal among sports betting customers. It’s also worth remembering that we live in an increasingly globalised world and that there are millions of South Africans living abroad. Those South Africans will have shared their sports betting experiences with family and friends back home, further nudging them towards it as a worthwhile activity. It not only generates revenue through taxes but also creates employment opportunities.

This ideally can be led by the regulatory authorities from the East African countries and hopefully this will encourage good credit lending practices and better consumer education. From the time gambling was introduced in East Africa it was a niche activity enjoyed by a few participants in society mostly foreigners and specific groups. It was not a main stream activity but mainly confined to casinos with expatriates and elites making up the bulk of their customers (1). There were also national lotteries mostly having the general public as users running in the East African countries which people bought tickets and wait for the draws to see if they won. Now being able to place wagers on mobile phones there has been an explosion of the popularity of sports betting.