Online Betting Regulation in Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa & Ghana Compared
Online betting is no longer a stranger in Africa. Everyone can sense the looming massive remodel of the sector in the continent. Africa is reputable for its smooth adaptation of change, and that is how regulations in betting are evolving.
Technology is available on the continent, although it is expensive. Casino fanatics take advantage of that whereby they access the online platforms through mobile devices, desktops and laptops. Most people prefer mobile gambling. They use the method in claiming welcome offers and signing up into the platforms.
Therefore, accessibility to mobile gambling is the yardstick reveals whether online betting is successful. That is when there is relaxation of gambling regulations that are already in place in a particular African country. However, desktop gaming is popular too. Below is an overview of online betting regulation in Kenya, South African, Ghana and Nigeria.
Online betting regulation in Nigeria
Regulations on online gambling in Nigeria are unclear if you compare with other countries in the continent such as South Africa. It is the same case with laws on sports betting. The Criminal Code prohibits any betting practice that has no express permission. Moreover, it defines penalties for players and those who operate illicit gambling services.
However, the regulations as at the moment do not touch on anything to do with online betting sites like Nairabet. Therefore, you have to infer and extrapolate the legal fate for online sports gambling.
The likely scenario is, citizens who use overseas sportsbooks that do not hold a license from Nigerian authorities are law offenders. They could be subject to a light penalty such as a small fine. But the regulators do not seem to be keen on such websites. Therefore, there is a negligible chance to be put on trial simply because of placing a stake on offshore online sportsbooks.
Besides, there are very few Nigerians who have a concern on the issue. A 2014 statistic indicates that there have been over 60 million Nigerians who gamble daily. The interesting thing is that all that is through oversees sportsbooks. However, some sportsbooks have a license in the country if you wish to comply fully to the law.
Popular sports in Nigeria
Most bettors in the country place their bets on European football. Most of them have interests in EPL. NBA basketball is also popular probably due to the influence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Other sports include cricket, tennis and rugby.
Online betting regulation in Ghana
Gambling regulations in Ghana are so lenient. Provided a person is of legal age which in the case is 18 years, he or she is free to participate in both offline and online sports betting. Theoretically, the gambling industry in the country, which includes sports wagering operates under the regulation of the Gaming Act of 2006. It stipulates that the machinist must have a license from the Gaming Commission of Ghana.
However, the regulation is not keen on online gambling. Therefore the country allows sportsbooks that hold licenses from other regions. You won’t find any law that hinders them from providing their services to the citizens. Therefore, most accept gamblers without themselves undergoing through any registration process or complying to tax requirements.
It isn’t easy to find a precise answer on whether it is safe to bet through the sportsbooks. It all depends on the site. Reputable machinists with licenses from markets with strict regulations are usually safe.
One of the countries most recent legislation on sports gambling was in 2006. After passing of the law, most operators now includes online sports betting in their list of services.
Popular sports in Ghana
Football is the most popular in the sports gambling market in the country. that is the English Premier League in particular. As the reputation of sports betting increases, it is noticeable that people are giving less attention to the local football leagues. Fortunately, some Ghana-operated sportsbooks now include the national leagues with the hope to increase the popularity—besides, some people stake on boxing, tennis, rugby and basketball.
Online betting regulation in Kenya
The 1966 Act on Betting Lotteries and Gaming led to the establishment of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). The board through the Act has the power to license the sportsbooks. Provided it has a license the sportsbooks may legally offer its services in Kenya regardless
Other than the sportsbooks, there are numerous sites within the country that allows Kenyans. The authorities do not appear to be very keen on unlicensed services. At the time of this writing, the authorities do not seem to restrain access or put the offenders on trial.
Popular sports in Kenya
European football is the force behind most of the gambling revenue in the country. that is the UEFA league, La Liga and EPL. Other sports that are popular among gamblers include boxing, rugby, and cricket. In the recent past, e-sports betting has been on the rise.
Online betting regulation in South Africa
The regulatory structure for online betting in South Africa is vigorous compared to other countries on the continent. Like several other states, South Africa adopts a legal though heavily controlled tactic to online gambling. Therefore, South Africans have a wide range of legal options through which they can place their wager online. However, several illicit gambling operations could lead to penalties.
Like in Kenya, this country stipulates that the operator must have a license for their operations to be legal. However, the regulatory authorities in South Africa differ from those in Kenya. They have a more pro-active tactic to enforce the regulations.
Sportsbooks that offer their services without a license could face jail time and hefty fines. Besides, the authorities may move to the point of confiscating their funds. It is important to note that the players are not immune. They are also subject to the three punishments.
The hefty penalties may be as high as ten million South African rands. However, it seems not to scare most of the foreign operators. However, the regulations speak clearly on the legality and potential fines if you happen to use a gambling site that operates without a license.
Popular sports in South Africa
Like many African nations, football dominates the sports betting market. Cricket and rugby follow closely in terms of popularity. Another option that is gaining roots among south Africans is golf. Probably, it could be as a result of influence through popular world stars such as Ernie Els who is a successful golfer.
To sum
Looking at Africa in general, there is incredible progress when it comes to the regulation of online betting. Countries where online gaming has been illegal, are now relaxing their hardstand. Without doubt, the foreseeable future indicates that the gambling industry in Africa will be a force to reckon with, significantly if the majority of the countries softens their hardstand.