Betting has rapidly emerged as a significant cultural and economic phenomenon across Africa, propelled by the continent’s youthful demographic, expanding internet and smartphone access, and the widespread enthusiasm for sports, particularly football. In alignment with our ongoing commitment to provide timely, data-driven insights into social and consumer trends, GeoPoll has conducted a follow-up study examining betting behaviors in key African markets.
This new survey builds upon our 2024 report, which investigated the betting habits of youth in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The 2025 edition revisits these same countries, employing the same methodology to facilitate direct comparison of findings, highlighting shifts in attitudes, participation rates, motivations, and spending patterns over the past year.
In addition to tracking year-on-year trends, the updated study incorporates new demographic insights, thereby offering a more nuanced understanding of the ongoing evolution of betting across the region. As policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities address the increasing influence of gambling, GeoPoll’s data serves as a reliable and real-time reflection of African perspectives on this significant issue.
Employment status of the respondents
The survey, conducted among a randomized sample of respondents across six African countries, highlights a varied employment landscape. 38% of participants reported being formally employed, while 29% identified as self-employed or entrepreneurs. Additionally, 18% of respondents stated they were currently unemployed, and 14% were students. A small proportion, 1%, indicated that they were unable to work.
Trends in Betting Participation Across Countries
Over the past three years, betting participation across African countries has shown dynamic shifts. In 2022, Kenya led the continent with 83.9% of respondents reporting they had tried gambling or betting, followed by Nigeria at 78% and South Africa at 74%. The 2024 study reaffirmed Kenya’s lead, with 82.8% of respondents indicating they had placed a bet, while South Africa (73.9%), Ghana (73%), Uganda (71.4%), Tanzania (71.1%), and Nigeria (65.3%) followed closely behind.
However, the 2025 results mark a notable shift in regional rankings. South Africa now tops the list with a striking 90% of respondents having placed bets, followed by Uganda at 87%. Kenya, previously the consistent frontrunner, has dropped to third place with 79%. Nigeria follows at 71%, while Ghana and Tanzania both report significantly lower betting participation at 56% each.
Gambling frequency
Among those who reported having ever placed a bet, we explored how frequently they engage in gambling activities. In the 2024 survey, 32% of respondents indicated they bet approximately once a week. Additionally, 20.8% placed bets once a month, 17.8% bet at least once a day, and 15.6% reported betting more than once a day.
The 2025 findings show a slight increase in weekly betting, with 35% of respondents now gambling once a week. 22% reported betting once a month, while 20% do so less than once a month. Daily betting has seen a modest decline, with 14% betting once a day and 9% placing bets more than once a day.
Mobile betting
Mobile phones have firmly established themselves as the preferred platform for betting across Africa. According to the 2025 survey, an overwhelming 91% of respondents who participate in gambling reported that they place their bets using a mobile phone. This highlights the critical role that mobile technology continues to play in shaping betting behaviors on the continent.
The dominance of mobile betting can be attributed to several factors: the widespread penetration of smartphones, the affordability of mobile data in many African countries, and the convenience of betting apps and mobile-optimized platforms. With mobile devices offering easy access to betting services anytime and anywhere, they have effectively transformed gambling into an on-the-go activity—especially appealing to the continent’s predominantly young, tech-savvy population.
Football Betting Remains King, Aviator Rises
Football remains the most popular form of betting in Africa, with 61% of respondents in the 2025 survey stating they mainly bet on football matches—continuing the trend observed in 2024. Aviator, a fast-paced digital game, has quickly risen in popularity, with 19% choosing it as their primary betting option. Basketball follows distantly, preferred by 6% of respondents. These findings highlight football’s enduring appeal, while also pointing to a growing interest in alternative, high-speed betting formats like Aviator.
Average monthly spend
Ghana: Spending patterns show variety. 50% reported spending less than $10 monthly. 22% spend between $10 and $25. Smaller groups spend more: 5% between $25 and $50, 11% between $50 and $100, 11% between $100 and $500, and 5% reported spending over $500. This indicates common small-stake betting alongside a segment of high-stakes bettors.
Kenya: The majority (57%) reported spending less than $10 per month. Higher spending brackets included: 28% between $10 and $25, 3% between $25 and $50, 6% between $50 and $100, 3% between $100 and $500, and 3% spending over $500 monthly. This reflects predominant low-stake gambling but also a small group of high-stakes bettors.
Nigeria: In 2025, the overwhelming majority of respondents reported spending less than $10 per month on gambling, indicating a pronounced preference for low-stakes participation. By contrast, the 2024 data revealed a more varied spending pattern: 58% spent under $10, 28% spent between $10 and $25, and 13% exceeded $25, suggesting only limited engagement in higher spending categories.
South Africa: 45% reported spending less than $10 per month. 33% spend between $10 and $25. Higher spending includes 11% between $25 and $50, and another 11% between $50 and $100. This shows most bettors are in low-to-mid spending ranges, with a smaller segment betting higher stakes.
Tanzania: The vast majority (93%) reported spending less than $50 per month. In stark contrast, a notable 7% spend over $500 million monthly, highlighting a high-spending minority.
Uganda: Spending is distributed: 38% spend less than $10 per month, 46% spend between $10 and $25. Smaller groups spend more: 8% between $50 and $100, and 8% spend above $500. This points to common lower stakes alongside a small group of higher-stake bettors.
About this survey
This GeoPoll rapid survey was conducted in April 2025 among 4,191 youth in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda using the GeoPoll mobile app. The sample was not fully demographically representative and naturally skewed towards younger people in urban areas. The sample comprised 65% males and 35% females. Age groups were distributed as follows: 18-24 (20%), 25-34 (63%), and over 35 (18%).
To conduct a scientific study on gambling or other topics in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, please contact GeoPoll.
