The popularity of betting has exploded in recent times due to the influx of online betting sites. Although sports betting in Africa has been around for the longest time, we can agree that this period is the golden era due to the internet. Most older bettors can remember betting in shops and cafes back in the days, but now, almost 90% of all betting activities happen online.
This article takes a deep dive into the top betting sites in some African countries. We explore the best betting sites, payments methods and all the information you need to decide on the betting site to choose.
Top Betting Sites in Africa
Sports betting is very popular in Africa. The love for sports has helped to keep this interest alive. Coupled with the fact that betting has been made easier because of the internet and the entrance of several sports betting sites.
Due to the sheer number of online betting sites available, we have done the hard work of sifting through the long list and bringing out the best betting sites in Africa. Here are a few of the best top betting sites in Africa.
1xBet
1xBet is an international bookmaker operating in a lot of countries in Africa. It is quite popular as its part of the sponsors of the biggest sporting tournament in Africa, the Africa Cup of Nations. 1xBet offers a range of sports betting, virtual sports, casino, live casino, and their special brand of games, 1xgames. Bettors can register with the bookmaker by using the 1xBet promo code and get a welcome bonus on their first deposit.
bet365
bet365, a very popular bookmaker in the UK, is now operational in some countries in Africa, namely Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. The bookmaker primarily offers sports betting and casino, live casino, bingo, and bet365 games. New customers can use the bet365 bonus code to claim the welcome bonus of the bookmaker.
Bet9ja
Bet9ja is primarily a Nigerian bookmaker, having been in operation since online betting became a thing in the country. bet9ja has a huge sportsbook, a very functional mobile app, and a dedicated casino app. The bookmaker also has a sports welcome bonus on the first deposit and a casino bonus. Bettors can use the bet9ja promotion code to access the welcome bonus.
Betway
Betway is one of the biggest bookmakers globally and in Africa and is a sponsor of the biggest sports teams in Europe’s top leagues. This, and the fact that they have operations in almost all African country that legalizes betting, has made them the most visible bookmaker on the continent, probably on par with 1xBet.
The bookmaker has many features such as their dedicated eSports section, variety of bonuses, and great odds. Bettors can use the Betway sign up code to get the welcome bonus of the bookmaker.
Sahara Games
This bookmaker is mostly seen as an Eastern African operator, majorly operating in Uganda and Kenya. While the welcome bonus from Sahara games is not as generous as other bookmakers, they make up for it by offering daily and weekly jackpots. You can claim the Sahara Games welcome bonus by using the Sahara Games promo code to sign up.
Helabet
Helabet has operations mainly in Kenya and Eastern African countries. One of their major selling points is the casino section, with over 1000 unique games. In addition, they offer great sports and a casino welcome bonus. Bettors can use the Helabet promo code to unlock the welcome bonus of the bookmaker.
BetWinner
BetWinner is another international operator headquartered in Cyprus and has operations in over 10 African countries. Bettors can take advantage of the welcome bonus of the bookmaker by using the BetWinner promo code.
22bet
22bet has one of the biggest sportsbooks among international bookmakers, competing only with 1xBet in that area. But 22bet takes the crown as it offers two welcome bonuses, the sports welcome bonus, and the casino welcomes bonus.
And with a casino section that comprises very interesting tiles, casino lovers will be sure to have a good time at 22bet. Bettors can use the 22bet promo code and choose to get the sports welcome bonus or the casino welcome bonus at the operator’s site.
Frapapa
Frapapa is a new entrant into the betting space in Nigeria but has won the heart of bettors by its huge sports welcome bonus. The bookmaker offers the biggest sports bonus in Nigeria and backs it up with a huge sportsbook. New bettors can use the Frapapa promotional code to get the welcome bonus.
Yangasport
Another new entrant into the burgeoning betting space in Nigeria. One good thing Yangasport has going for it is the live streaming feature. It is the best among all online bookmakers in Nigeria. It also has a huge welcome bonus that bettors can get when using the Yangasport promo code when signing up with the bookmaker.
Bet.co.za
bet.co.za is one of the biggest online bookmakers in South Africa. Although an indigenous firm, it has matched its international counterparts when it comes to quality of welcome bonus and quality of alternative betting like casino and virtual games. Bet.co.za offers one of the biggest welcome bonuses in South Africa, and users can use the bet.co.za bonus code to claim it.
Premier Bet
Premier Bet is part of the betting sites operating in several African countries, notably Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. In addition, it operates in Nigeria as Ogabet. The bookmaker is not known particularly for its welcome bonus as it doesn’t offer, but for the huge jackpot, it offers. Users can claim the Premier Bet bonus by participating in the weekly jackpot.
Mozzart Bet
Mozzart Bet was established in 2001 and has had the experience of running online betting sites in Europe before its entrance into the African betting space. It is currently operational in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. There are a lot of bonuses for new and existing customers at Mozzart Bet. You can claim one of the MozzartBet bonus offers when you sign up with the bookmaker.
Dafabet
Originally a very popular bookmaker in the Asian region, Dafabet has gained an inroad into the African betting space and is operational in several countries. Some of them include Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. New customers can use the Dafabet bonus code to get the welcome bonus of the bookmaker.
Betboro
Betboro is one of the biggest bookmakers in Ghana. In fact, Ghana is the only African country the bookmaker is fully licensed and operational. However, bettors from other African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia can register and play with the bookmaker. In addition, users can claim the Betboro bonus by using the bonus code to get free bets equivalent to their first deposit if they lose their first bet at the bookmaker.
N1Bet
N1Bet is an international betting site that has started operations in Africa; when in 2020, it became licensed to operate a sports betting site in Nigeria. N1Bet has a sportsbook and casino section, with a great live streaming feature. In addition, the N1Bet bonus section has a lot of exciting combo bonuses for new and existing customers.
ChezaCash
ChezaCash is a popular Kenyan bookmaker. It offers a variety of betting options, compatible with mobile devices. Besides, the ChezaCash bonus is one of the best welcome promotions in Kenya! The operator explains all betting rules in an uncomplicated and user-friendly way, making it one of the favorite bookmakers in the Kenyan market.
Betting in Nigeria
According to statistics, about 4 in 10 Nigerians like to bet, and considering that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, that number is a lot. So to say betting is popular in Nigeria is an understatement.
Football is the most popular sport in Nigeria, especially given the success of the Nigerian National tea (Super Eagles) in International football, such as Olympics ’96 in Atlanta. Football is followed closely by basketball as the national basketball team is also doing wonders on the international scene.
So the majority of bettors bet on football and basketball. So betting is at a high during the football season around August and July as most bettors want to make the most of the football season.
Payment Methods in Nigeria
One of the most important things in a betting site is the ability to deposit money and withdraw. So here are the most popular payments methods in Nigeria that accept the Nigerian Naira.
- Debit card – VISA, Mastercard, Verve
- Direct bank transfer
- GT Bank *737# short code
- MCash USSD
- Direct bank deposit
- ATM transfer
- Paystack
- Flutterwave
While all the options above are available for making deposits, withdrawals are always direct to bank accounts linked to your account.
Best Betting Sites in Nigeria
Before the coming of international gambling sites in Nigeria, most Nigerians relied on local sites such as Nairabet, Naijabet, and the likes. But currently, with the influx of international sports betting sites and with their generous bonuses, Nigerian bettors have so many options. Some of the best betting sites in Nigeria include bet9ja, Betway, BetWinner, and Frapapa. Other online betting sites worthy of note include 22bet, 1xBet, Ogabet, Dafabet, Mozzart Bet, N1Bet, and Yangasport.
Betting in South Africa
South Africa has the biggest betting industry in Africa, although Nigeria is on track to take that crown. Sports betting has a long history in South Africa, and the rise of the internet has made the industry one of the biggest if not the biggest in Africa.
The Springboks (South Africa Rugby team) is currently the best rugby team globally. They have tens of millions of fans in South Africa and hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1995. Football is also very popular in South Africa, and even the FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa in 2010. Cricket is also a sport that South Africa has excelled in. The country hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 and the ICC World Cup Twenty20 in 2007. South Africa is part of a few countries to host and participate in the World Cups of 3 major sports.
Due to this deep love for sports and high internet penetration, South Africa has all the ingredients that any gambling site needs to develop. And since sports gambling was legalized in South Africa in 1994, there has been a huge growth in betting and, subsequently, online betting in South Africa.
Below, we analyze the payment methods and the country’s best betting sites.
Payment Methods in South Africa
Due to the early entrance of online betting in South Africa, payment methods have continued to improve and increase. This has made it easy for South African bettors to deposit and withdraw money. Here are some payment methods in South Africa.
- Masterpass
- SID Instant EFT
- OTT Voucher
- Zapper
- Debit cards
- OZOW
- Direct bank transfers – ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard bank
All the above options can be used for deposits, but direct bank transfers will be the most reliable option for making withdrawals.
Best Betting Sites in South Africa
As the conditions favorable for betting increased in South Africa, most indigenous betting companies started to cater to South African bettors. As more international bettors entered the country, some closed down, but some still operate and compete favorably with international betting sites. Some of the best betting sites in South Africa include bet.co.za, Hollywoodbets, Betway.
Betting in Kenya
Kenya takes third place in the online betting industry in Africa. A record 60% of Kenyans have engaged in betting. The rise of betting in Kenya is influenced by SMS betting, which means that bettors with limited or no internet access can bet easily.
Kenyans excel in long-distance races, showing their prowess on the international stage in the Olympics and the dozen marathon races organized by different cities worldwide. However, football is very popular, and this reflects in the betting patterns of Kenyan bettors, with betting activities increasing during the football season (August to July). Other popular sports include basketball, volleyball, and netball.
Below are the payment methods and best betting sites in Kenya.
Payments Methods in Kenya
Mobile money has gained a foothold in Kenya, with a particular company handling over 80% of the transactions that online bookmakers receive. We believe that this ease of depositing and withdrawing funds has helped improve Kenyan bettors’ betting experience. Here is a list of payment methods in Kenya.
- MPesa – the biggest and easiest payment platform in Kenya
- Airtel Money
- Debit cards
- Other popular options include Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies.
Best Betting Sites in Kenya
Kenya records the highest numbers of online betting sites as over 100 bookmakers are registered and licensed with the Betting Control and Licensing Board Kenya. Among this number are some indigenous operators and some foreign operators too. Some of the best betting sites in Kenya include Betway, Helabet, BetWinner and 22bet.
Betting in Ghana
Betting in Ghana has been around for quite some time, but the country takes the back seat regarding online betting. The betting industry in Ghana received a boost when it was legalized in 2006 and the Ghana Gaming Commission. However, 16 years later, and despite the legal stature of gambling, we can still describe the betting industry in Ghana as nascent.
Football is the most popular sport in Ghana, followed closely by boxing and basketball. The Black Stars of Ghana (Ghanian National football team) are one of the dominant forces in African football and have also produced players that star in Europe and Asia. Ghanaians also love and support their local football league, which has influenced bookmakers to start offering betting opportunities for them.
Below are the payment methods and best betting sites in Ghana
Payment Methods in Ghana
Mobile money payment is very popular in Ghana, and they top the list of deposit and withdrawal channels among bookmakers. Here are the payment methods popular among bettors in Ghana
- MTN mobile money
- Vodafone mobile money
- Airtel Tigo
- Debit and Credit cards
Best Betting Sites in Ghana
Since the legalization of betting in the country, they have been a few indigenous companies in the betting space. However, recently, some international betting sites have entered, and they are part of the drive to shore up gambling in the country. Hopefully, this time around, they will be successful. Some of the best betting sites in Ghana are 1xBet, Betboro, Betway, and Premier Bet.
Betting in Uganda
Online betting gained momentum in Uganda as the internet penetration in the country improved. Even though a good number of bettors still use shops and internet-enabled cafes.
Ugandans are sports loving in nature, and the most popular sport there, as in most African countries, is football. This is followed by cricket, rugby, and boxing. However, most sports fans in Uganda are fans of European football and bet on matches from the top leagues in Europe.
Below are the payment methods and the best betting sites in Uganda.
Payment Methods in Uganda
Uganda is a country with a huge dependency on mobile money options due to the low internet penetration. Therefore, the payment options for Ugandan bettors are listed below.
- MTN mobile money
- Airtel mobile money
The bank transfer option is also available, but the two options above are the easiest and the fastest.
Best Betting Sites in Uganda
Even though there are indigenous operators, most bettors prefer international bookmakers because of the features and huge welcome bonuses. Even though the government has paused on granting licenses, some international bookmakers were already in the country before the pause. Some of the best betting sites in Uganda include Sahara games, 1xBet, Betway, and 22bet.
Betting in Tanzania
Gambling and sports betting in Tanzania have been legalized since 2003. But unlike other countries, there has been a growth in the number of betting sites in the country. Unlike other countries, the slow has been slower due to the lower internet penetration level in the country, but it is gradually picking up.
In addition to the above, Tanzanians are not the most dedicated sports fans. Their love for sports is not as deep as in other countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. Some of the popular sports in Tanzania include football, basketball, and cricket. The country also excels in long-distance running on the international stage.
Here are some of the payment methods and best betting sites in Tanzania.
Payment Methods in Tanzania
Here are some payment methods you can use to deposit and withdraw money from bookmakers in Tanzania.
- Tigo Pesa
- Vodacom mobile money
- Airtel mobile money
- Halo Pesa
Best Betting Sites in Tanzania
Due to the slow adoption of internet betting, most of the operators in the country are international bookmakers. Most indigenous betting sites cannot match the superior welcome bonus and betting experience their international counterparts offer. Some of the best betting sites in Tanzania include 22bet, Betway, and Premier Bet.
Betting in Zambia
Online betting in Zambia is very nascent due to the low internet penetration levels in the country. Also, the government just started regulating the industry in 2019. However, this doesn’t mean Zambians are not gambling, but not just online.
The most popular sports in Zambia are football, rugby, athletics, and volleyball.
Payment Methods in Zambia
Here are some payment methods you can use to deposit and withdraw money from bookmakers in Zambia.
- Airtel
- MTN
- Zamtel
- Kazang
Best Betting Sites in Zambia
Due to the lack of internet coverage in most parts of the country, online betting is a recent phenomenon. However, things are starting to look up as several international bettors have established a presence in Zambia and will drive the growth of betting in the country. Some of the best betting sites include Betway, 1xBet, Premier Bet.
Betting in Malawi
We can count Malawi when we talk about the countries that are still opening up to the online betting industry. For Malawi, the simple fact is that internet penetration is still very low at about 17.8% in 2021.
Sports events that are popular in Malawi include football and netball. But this doesn’t affect the betting pattern so much as the love for sports in Malawi is not as strong as in other countries.
Below we have listed the payment methods and best betting sites in Malawi.
Payment Methods in Malawi
Here are some payment methods you can use to deposit and withdraw money from bookmakers in Malawi.
- Bank
- Airtel
- Voucher
- TNM
- FDH
Best Betting Sites in Malawi
As betting is still picking up steam in the country, some local and regional bookmakers are operational. As internet penetration increases, more international bookmakers will soon establish a presence in Malawi. Currently, the most prominent betting site in Malawi is Premier Bet.
Best Betting Sites FAQs
This article has been a complete rundown of the best betting sites on the continent, and we have tried to show the state of sports betting in Africa. While some bookmakers are country-specific and excel well, some like 1xBet, 22bet BetWinner, and Betway cover several countries.
We have come to the end of the article, and here are some frequently asked questions about the best betting sites in Africa.
Yes, it is. However, not every country in Africa has legalized online betting. For instance, most Arab countries have not legalized it.
If online betting is legalized in your country, there are a variety of international bookmakers you can consider betting on. Some include 1xBet, 22bet, BetWinner, Betway, and Mozzartbet. You can also consider online bookmakers that operate specifically in your country.
Most betting sites offer welcome bonuses, which come as free bets for sports betting. The most popular sports betting sites that offer free bets include Betway, 1xBet, 22bet, BetWinner. But, of course, the most popular option is 1xBet which offers 200% of your first deposit after your registration.
The most trusted betting sites are bookmakers registered with the gambling commissions of the country there are operating in. You can check if the betting site is registered by checking for their registration ID, usually stated on the footer of their websites. Some trusted sites include 1xBet, 22bet, BetWinner, Betway, bet9ja in Nigeria, bet.co.za in South Africa, Helabet in Kenya, Betboro in Ghana, Premier Bet in Malawi.
Here is how to register an account with an online betting site. First, head to the bookmaker’s site and click the registration button. Next, fill in the required details. This may include your phone number, name, email, address, and other necessary information. Then finally, click on register, and the account will be registered.
Most bookmakers have mobile apps to allow bettors to use their platforms on their mobile devices. And the mobile apps are developed for both Android users and iOS users. But due to Google’s policy on hosting gambling apps on the Play Store, bettors can’t download betting apps from Play Store. So the alternative is to download the apk file of the mobile app and install it on your device.
