Countries in Africa where gambling is allowed

African countries haven’t really been places to gamble in the past. In fact, citizens in some countries in the continent are still barred from engaging in anything that comes close to a game of chance.

But as online gaming and sports betting continue to push their way across the African borders, the continent is slowly waking up to the reality with many of the African citizens now placing bets and spinning reels online. Most of these activities begun outside any legal structures until recently when authorities in Africa stepped up the measures that saw African gambling knocked into shape.

Today, to many African players, gambling isn’t only a thrilling social endeavor but a booming income-generating activity as well. Such is the era that has seen most African governments net millions of dollars in legal gambling revenues.

But not all countries have responded to betting and online gaming with the same enthusiasm. As some authorities continue to institute regulations that are geared towards promoting gambling as an important contributor to the GDP, some nations in Africa still view any form of gambling as a contradiction of morals.

Thus, when it comes to gambling, we can categorize countries in Africa as banned, lacking regulations or approved:

Banned: In these countries, one is not allowed to engage in any slightest way in any form of gambling. No operator is allowed to sell any gambling products within the borders of such countries.

No regulations: All the countries in Africa whose gambling status is not clearly defined fall under this category. Players in such countries are not barred from gambling, but they not also protected by local gambling regulations. Such will be the state of things until some laws are enacted.

Approved: This category comprises of African countries where clear guidelines regarding gambling have been developed. Online gaming is also allowed in some of these countries with small variations in terms of regulations. Operators, both local and foreign, are expected to abide by the set regulations that seek to protect them just as much as they protect ordinary players.

Once a number of African nations allowed online and brick and mortar gambling, a new market was born in the continent. It still remains unclear though, the full scope of countries that have and those that haven’t embraced gambling.

Some of the counties that have legalized online gambling include South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mauritius. These are countries that have explicitly approved iGaming. Other countries such as Zambia, Ghana, Namibia, Angola, and Botswana, haven’t said entirely no to gambling.
It’s important to know which countries you can gamble in just to be sure to keep a safe distance from illegal gambling. Enjoy all the online gambling pleasure if you live within the borders where gambling is legal and well-regulated.

This wouldn’t be by any means, a detailed look into the gambling laws of the continent. It’s just a brief look into Africa stand concerning legal gambling.

But there is no denying that gambling is a flourishing business in Africa. It has gained massive popularity and attention in recent times. South Africa, for instance, already boasts more than forty state-of-the-art casinos offering more than 38,000 slot games. Egypt follows closely with at least twenty operational casinos.

Several countries are known for their extensive gambling in Africa. Topping the list include South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Namibia, Cameroon, and Ghana.

In terms of gambling laws in Africa, let’s consider a few recent developments.

CASA is South Africa’s casino association that licenses and regulates the gaming industry in the country. At least R12 billion in gambling revenue have gone into investment across 9 provinces in the last 8 years. More than R36 billion has been added to the nations GDP via economic multipliers.

The new National Gambling Act that was enacted in 2004 took effect from the 1st of November 2004. The nation’s main objective for this enactment was to bring into coordination all legislative competence when it comes to matters related to casinos, gambling, racing and wagering. It’s also tasked with helping establish standard norms as well as applicable standards of national regulations including licensing of gambling services.

The act also informs the activities of the National Gambling Board and the National Gambling Policy Council.

Conclusion
You now have a good idea about how the countries in Africa are responding to the bulging demand for gambling and particularly online sports betting. Hopefully, this article points you in the right direction if you seek to be part of the legal gambling community that has grown so tremendously in the region.

About Post Author