Shifting Trends in African Betting Highlight Growing Mobile Dominance

South Africa Overtakes Kenya in Betting Participation

GeoPoll’s latest findings indicate a reshuffling of betting engagement across Africa. South Africa now leads, with 90% of respondents reporting they have placed a bet, followed by Uganda at 87%. Kenya, traditionally the frontrunner, has dropped to third place with 79%. Nigeria follows at 71%, while Ghana and Tanzania both report 56% participation. These figures mark a shift from previous years, showing an evolving landscape in consumer behavior.

The survey provides insight into the employment backgrounds of betting participants. Among respondents, 38% were formally employed, 29% were self-employed or entrepreneurs, and 18% reported being unemployed. Students made up 14% of participants, while 1% indicated they were unable to work. This diverse employment profile points to the widespread appeal of betting across various economic sectors.

Betting Frequency and Patterns

Betting frequency has also evolved since the previous year. Weekly betting rose slightly to 35%, up from 32% in 2024. Monthly betting accounts for 22% of participants, while daily betting has declined modestly. Only 14% now report betting once per day, and 9% bet more than once daily. The data suggests a slight move toward less frequent, but perhaps more deliberate, gambling behavior.

Mobile technology remains central to Africa’s betting culture. An overwhelming 91% of respondents confirmed using mobile phones to place bets. Factors driving this trend include increased smartphone ownership, affordable data plans, and the convenience of mobile apps. Mobile devices have turned betting into a seamless, on the go activity, particularly attractive to Africa’s predominantly young, digitally native population.

Football Betting Remains Strong as Aviator Gains Ground

Football remains the top choice among bettors, with 61% naming it their primary betting focus. However, newer formats are gaining attention. Aviator, a fast-paced digital game, now accounts for 19% of primary betting preferences, reflecting a growing appetite for quick, interactive experiences. Basketball trails behind, preferred by only 6% of respondents.

Spending Habits Reveal Wide Disparities

Spending patterns differ significantly across countries. In Ghana, 50% of bettors spend less than $10 per month, while in Kenya, the figure stands even higher at 57%. Nigeria shows a strong preference for low-stakes gambling, with most spending under $10 monthly. South Africa presents a broader range, with 45% spending less than $10 and 33% between $10 and $25. Tanzania sees the majority spending under $50, but a small 7% report extremely high expenditures. Uganda displays a more balanced distribution, with 38% spending less than $10 and 46% between $10 and $25, while a notable minority engage in higher-stakes betting.

The survey, conducted in April 2025 via the GeoPoll mobile app, gathered insights from 4,191 participants across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The sample skewed toward younger, urban populations, with 65% male and 35% female respondents. Most participants (63%) were aged 25-34, offering a clear view into the behaviors of Africa’s dominant betting demographic.