Online Sports Betting in Africa – Ultimate Guide

Online Betting Laws in Africa

With 54 countries within the continent of Africa, it would be foolish to make a blanket statement as to the gambling laws. Within Africa, there are some liberal nations who encourage gambling and online gambling, and of course, there are other more restrictive regimes who try to prohibit or heavily regulate it.

Read our detailed country guides to learn more about gambling laws in African countries:

Deposit Methods Accepted by Betting Companies in Africa

When it comes to funding online betting accounts, there are a plethora of options for African bettors. Obviously, the country in which you live will have an impact upon your deposit options, as some jurisdictions have restrictions over payment methods and others will have options that are localised to them.

Most betting companies will accept debit/credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, and historically this has been the default deposit method for most bettors. In recent years, there has been a rapid uptick in the number of bookmakers offering e-wallets as an option for bettors when they are looking to fund their accounts.

Many players opt for e-wallets as their preferred deposit option because they can quickly and cheaply transfer money back and forth between one or more bookmakers without it having to hit their bank account. Some of the most popular e-wallets for betting include PayPal, NETELLER and Skrill.

There are plenty of other options if depositing by credit card or e-wallet isn’t your preference. Virtual prepaid cards such as paysafecard are popular, and in countries where there are brick and mortar shops, it is often possible to load money onto an online account by depositing cash, or via a voucher.

Mobile commerce services are becoming increasingly popular and most online betting sites still accept bank wires and cheques, although this method takes significantly longer.

Can African Players Claim Free Bets and Bonuses?

You can bet your bottom dollar that African players can claim free bets and other concessions. As one of the fastest growing gaming markets in the world, African bettors have been targeted by marketing teams from international bookmakers who wish to expand their customer base.

Concessions can come in many forms. Many bookies will offer a matched deposit to entice new players onto their site. Others will provide a free bet after a certain amount has been staked, and those firms intent on keeping their loyal customer base will develop VIP promotions to make their players feel valued.

It is always important to check the terms and conditions when signing up to a bookmaker after seeing an attractive bonus or offer. Things to check out are the terms and conditions, most notably the rollover requirements for the bonus. Extremely high rollover requirements can result in you losing both your free bet and the funds you added.

Another thing to look out for is the exempt countries. Certain bookmakers will exclude regions or countries from promotions, so it is always worth reading the fine print before creating an account.

The Popularity of Mobile Betting in Africa

Mobile betting has exploded around the world as handheld devices have become faster, more affordable, and internet speeds have increased. In Africa especially, where not everyone can afford a computer, sometimes the cheapest and easiest way to bet online is through a mobile device.

The big firms typically also offer a downloadable iPhone or Android app, which allows players a bit of additional speed and functionality. The best betting apps require little storage space and allow you to log in with one tap, meaning you can take advantage of the latest in-play betting markets.

Imagine betting on Ghana to beat South Africa in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. If the Black Stars take the lead early, live betting markets adjust the match winner odds accordingly. Betting sites with cash out features allow you to log in via your smartphone or tablet and secure a profit. You could win more by waiting for the result but locking in a profit avoids the prospect of losing to a last-minute equaliser.

Want to bet on mobile? Check out our list of betting companies and join one to get started.