East African players now keep their money in their pockets

East Africa has seen a reduction of some 99% in sports betting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with very few gamblers able to access online most gamblers use betting retail outlets, but with all major sporting fixtures cancelled in March there is nothing really to bet on.

Uganda is the most dramatic with almost no-one there taking to online or being able to, unlike Tanzania or Kenya where online gambling is more common.

As a result most retail betting shops have closed, prior to the close down Uganda had a betting industry worth in excess of $12 million a year and East Africa in total well over $20 million. Most East African gamblers bet on the English Premier League or La Liga with the German Bundesliga quite popular.

However many gamblers believe it is a chance to save some money, with some traders spending between $10 and $30 a day on betting. In a recent survey African gamblers were asked if they would consider changing over to virtual gambling, with a resounding NO!

It seems that until the COVID-19 pandemic is over East Africans are keeping their money in their pockets.

Source: gaming-awards.com