77% of Africa's $23 billion betting market remains unregulated, report finds
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
A report by Gaming Compliance International reveals that 77% of Africa's online betting and gaming market, estimated at $23 billion in gross gaming revenue, operates without regulation. In 2025, only $5.2 billion 23% came from regulated operators, while $17.8 billion 77% was generated by 4,129 unregulated operators. The report indicates that 215 million people 14% of Africa's population engaged with online gambling platforms, with unregulated content accounting for 89% of audience exposure. Compared to other regions, Africa's 23% regulated market share is similar to Europe's but lower than Latin America's 27% and North America's 24%. Gaming Compliance International advocates for standardized, outcome-based regulation, urging governments to focus on optimizing the entire marketplace rather than just licensed operators. The organization suggests that high customer and operator taxes, costly payment systems, and product restrictions push consumers towards illegal platforms. They recommend the MPEO framework Monitor, Police, Enforce, Optimize to improve marketplace outcomes, emphasizing that effective regulation should ensure consumer protection, generate tax revenue, and foster local economic growth by channeling existing demand into the regulated sector.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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