What’s the current legislative landscape across Africa?

The popularity of online sports betting has increased significantly in recent years. As a result, the industry is rapidly expanding to meet demands and cater to those who want to gamble from the comfort of their own home.

Online gambling and sports betting are especially significant in Africa given their widespread popularity among locals. The continent is home to some of the world’s most developed and fastest-growing economies, with online gaming being a lucrative industry.

Remember, just because online gambling and sports betting have seen an increase in popularity and demand across the African continent, this does not necessarily mean it is legalized and regulated everywhere. So be warned: you need to know your jurisdiction and legal issues pertaining to it. You certainly don’t want to be misled and think you’re registering at a trustworthy provider only to realize you cannot even gamble in your country.

However, the good thing is, with so many useful resources and online portals available, one can easily find specialized websites like GamblingAfrica, where fully-licensed online casinos and sportsbooks are not only listed but categorized according to country. So you can rest assured whichever provider chosen has been tried, tested, and certified as being a reputable operator.

What Are The Current Laws Regarding Online Gambling in Africa?

Online gambling and sports betting are currently illegal in 38 out of 54 African countries. The majority of these were inherited from colonial legislation that prohibited unlawful gambling in the country.

Due to its illegality, the sector is mostly underground and unregulated. In Ghana, online sports betting is permitted but only on licensed websites. In South Africa, sports betting is legal, but only in casinos and licensed betting houses. Furthermore, you must be above the age of 18 to bet online or in a betting house. Outside the sports betting industry, the legal status of online gambling in Africa is rather unclear. Most African countries do not have specific laws relating to online gambling. But there are some countries where specific laws on online gambling have been enacted. For example, in Ethiopia, online gambling is illegal while in Nigeria, gambling via the internet is permitted only in designated areas such as casinos.

Online Sports Betting in Africa

South Africa is the only African country where online sports betting is legal, but even there, the industry is limited by government regulations. Online sports betting is allowed in South Africa, but only in relation to certain sports, such as football and rugby. The use of prediction markets on non-sports-related topics is prohibited. Furthermore, online sports betting is only available at authorized online sportsbooks. The rest of Africa does not even have online sports betting.

Online Casinos in Africa

Online casinos are generally the only form of online gambling that is legal in Africa. There are no online sports books or online poker rooms. In fact, only a few African countries have legal online casinos. There are no online casinos in South Africa, and casinos in other countries are generally regulated. The regulations surrounding online casinos are very similar to those applied to their land-based counterparts. For example, in Kenya, online casinos are regulated by the Kenya Currencies and Financial Trading Authority (CBFT). In Zimbabwe, they are regulated by the Zimbabwe Gaming and Wagering Board.

Other countries have no restrictions on the establishment of online casinos. These include Ghana, Botswana, and Mauritius. In general, online casinos are legal in Africa, but since gambling laws vary greatly between countries, it is always important to check the legal information before playing.

Virtual Gaming Licence Scheme in Nigeria

Online gaming has been on the rise in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, in recent years. Consequently, the industry has seen significant growth, with the sector now being worth an estimated $3 billion. However, like in Kenya, online gaming and betting are currently outlawed in Nigeria. Consequently, it has led to a significant rise in cyber-crime, fraud, and money laundering. To tackle this problem, the Nigerian government has introduced a new gaming regulatory framework. Through this Virtual Gaming Licence, only a few selected gaming operators are granted licenses to provide online games to the public. Additionally, the Virtual Gaming License involves strict monitoring of license holders, including through a real-time monitoring system.

Computer Games Regulations Amendment Bill 2018 in South Africa

South Africa has always been a pioneer in terms of gambling and online gaming regulation in Africa. In fact, it was the first country in the continent to legalize and regulate sports betting back in the 1990s. Since then, it has also been actively regulating online gaming, albeit in a limited manner. But the South African government is planning to expand the scope of online gaming regulation. The Computer Games Regulations Amendment Bill 2018, which was introduced to the South African parliament in March 2018, aims to regulate a wide variety of online games including poker, casino games, and sports betting. The Bill seeks to impose a wide range of licensing requirements on operators, including minimum financial requirements and mandatory cyber-security standards.

Source: africa.businessinsider.com

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