Africa’s Online Casino Landscape: Legal Status, Licensing, and Growth Potential

The online casino sector in Africa is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing smartphone usage, mobile payment solutions, and a youthful population with a strong interest in digital entertainment. 

The regulatory environment varies widely across the continent. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana have established regulatory frameworks and are already home to online casino operations. Other territories are in various stages of developing or refining their gambling laws, while some have highly ambiguous legal statuses, and a few maintain outright bans.  

Understanding the current state of online casino gambling across Africa is essential for any operator looking to expand into the region. While the market potential is vast, the legal and regulatory conditions vary significantly from one country to another, making it crucial to grasp the broader landscape before attempting to enter individual jurisdictions.

Africa is home to a diverse mix of key regulated online casino markets. Each territory has its own legal frameworks, compliance requirements, and growth trajectories. 

This section explores the top African jurisdictions where online casino gambling is legally permitted and commercially viable. They can offer potential entry points for external operators seeking sustainable and compliant expansion into the new markets. 

Online Casinos in Nigeria

With Africa’s largest population of over 200 million and rapidly increasing smartphone penetration, Nigeria offers significant long-term potential for online casinos. Younger demographics, improved digital infrastructure, and growing familiarity with mobile payment platforms all support the growth of real-money online casinos.

Online casino gaming in Nigeria is regulated at the state level following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the federal National Lottery Act 2005 as the basis for licensing gambling operations. 

In response, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) introduced the Universal Reciprocity Certificate (URC) in May 2025, allowing operators to apply once for approval across multiple states under a harmonised licensing framework.

However, the online casino segment remains underdeveloped compared to sports betting, with stronger cultural and religious sensitivities around games of chance. 

Operators looking to enter this market must navigate Nigeria’s evolving legal landscape and high operating costs while building trust in a market still wary of unlicensed platforms. 

Online Casinos in Kenya

With high mobile penetration rates, widespread internet access, and a young, digital-first population, Kenya has become one of Africa’s more established and progressive online gambling markets. 

Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have further accelerated the growth of online casinos by simplifying payments and withdrawals for players.

Online casinos are legal and regulated in Kenya under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (1966), with oversight provided by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). The country allows a wide range of online gambling activities, including casino games, lotteries, and sports betting.

However, in recent years, the BCLB has tightened controls, imposing stricter licensing requirements, higher fees, and taxation reforms, including excise duties and withholding taxes on winnings. The changes are aimed at curbing problem gambling and ensuring better revenue collection, but have created additional compliance challenges.

Online Casinos in Ghana

Ghana’s youthful population, increasing smartphone use, and growing familiarity with mobile payments such as MTN Mobile Money and Vodafone Cash have created a favourable environment for online gambling growth. 

Online casino gambling is legal and regulated in Ghana under the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721). The industry is currently overseen by the Gaming Commission of Ghana, which licences and monitors all gaming operations, including online casinos and sports betting.

While the regulatory environment is more structured than in many neighbouring countries, operators must still navigate Ghana’s evolving tax policies and ensure strict compliance to retain their licences. Several local and international brands, such as Betway, Premier Bet, and Soccabet, have established a strong foothold in online sportsbooks and casino verticals.   

The Ghanaian government continues to promote a well-regulated market, with periodic reviews of licensing conditions and increased enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. This signals a positive trajectory for ongoing sustainable online casino growth in the country. 

Online Casinos in Tanzania

Online gambling is legal and regulated in Tanzania under the Gaming Act, 2003 (Revised Edition 2019). It was one of the first comprehensive gambling laws in sub-Saharan Africa to address land-based and remote online gaming together. 

The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) serves as the national regulatory authority, overseeing licensing, compliance, and enforcement for all forms of gambling, including online casinos. Tanzania’s regulatory framework explicitly permits online casino operations, provided that operators are licensed by the GBT and comply with local requirements. 

The market in Tanzania benefits from growing smartphone adoption, mobile payments infrastructure such as M-Pesa, and a youthful, digitally connected population. 

Taxation and fees are relatively high compared to some neighbouring markets, but the transparent licensing regime and legal clarity still make Tanzania attractive for online casino operators.

Online Casinos in Uganda

Online gambling is legal and regulated in Uganda under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016. This provides the legal framework for all forms of gaming, including online casinos. The National Gaming Board Uganda (NGBU) is the official regulatory authority responsible for licensing, compliance monitoring, and consumer protection in the gambling sector.

Although online gambling is not expressly addressed in the Lotteries and Gaming Act 2016, the list of operators licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (LGRB) consists of operators offering gambling online. 

Operators offering online casino services must be licensed by the NGBU and comply with detailed provisions around taxation, player protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and technical standards. 

The online casino market in Uganda is supported by widespread mobile connectivity and a high adoption of mobile payment methods, such as MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. 

However, regulatory enforcement can be strict, and in recent years, government efforts have been made to tighten control over unlicensed operators, particularly those targeting Ugandan players from abroad. 

Online Casinos in Mauritius

The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), established under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 9 of 2007, oversees and regulates all gambling activities in Mauritius, including online gambling. 

The GRA provides a clear licensing framework that allows private operators to apply for licences to offer online gambling services. This framework includes specific licensing processes, criteria, submission requirements, licensing conditions, and ongoing compliance obligations. 

This island nation, 2,000 kilometres off the southeastern coast of East Africa, operates a regulated but open market for online gambling, permitting private operators to enter the market under the supervision of the GRA. 

Online Casinos in South Africa

Online casino gambling in South Africa is technically illegal, except when offered through limited, provincially licensed services. Licences are issued and enforced by the country’s regulator, the National Gambling Board of South Africa. 

Provincial Licensing Boards differ in what contingencies they permit, with Western Cape and Mpumalanga allowing casino-style games via licensed bookmakers. Due to South Africa’s constitutional framework for gambling, players nationwide can access these games, even if they are banned in their own province.

The National Gambling Act 2004, as amended in 2008, prohibits the operation and offering of interactive online casino games to South African residents unless authorised by a licensed land-based operator in a regulated province. 

Conversely, online sports betting is legal and widely available through licensed bookmakers. From this perspective, South Africa is considered Africa’s most mature gambling market, with a well-established regulatory infrastructure, high internet penetration, and a large base of tech-savvy consumers. 

However, the lack of a clear, centralised legal pathway for online casino providers limits investment and market development in this vertical. There are continued calls for updated legislation to help distinguish between licensed and illegal online operators. 

The following African countries already have legal gambling frameworks in place. However, online casino operations are either entirely controlled by state-run entities or are limited to specific gambling verticals like lottery or sports betting.

Morocco

Gambling is legal, but online operations are state-controlled, primarily managed by La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS). Casino games are not widely available online outside the state monopoly. 

Angola

Gambling is legal, and the Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ) regulates both land-based and online games under the Gaming Activities Act. As yet, online casino regulation in Angola remains underdeveloped. 

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)

Regulated by LONACI (Loterie Nationale de Côte d’Ivoire), gambling is legal, but the market is currently dominated by lottery and sports betting. LONACI also has the power to issue licenses to private entities to offer online gambling, so the country has the potential for future expansion, with multiple online casinos possible. 

Senegal

Legal gambling is regulated by LONASE (Loterie Nationale Sénégalaise). Online casino platforms do currently exist, but they are predominantly operated by or in partnership with the state. 

Zambia

Online gambling is not yet specifically stated as being legal in Zambia; however, land-based gambling is regulated by the Betting Control Act, Chapter 165. Zambia's online gambling sector is still developing but shows growth potential thanks to the government’s supportive stance toward regulated gambling.

While Africa’s online casino sector continues to advance in many areas, a wide range of market-entry challenges remain. Operators will need a solid market entry strategy to help them navigate the following areas:

• Regulatory Complexity: Africa lacks a unified regulatory framework across the continent. Countries such as Kenya and Ghana offer clear licensing paths, while others, such as Cameroon or Angola, currently have unclear or outdated gambling laws.
• Tax and Fee Burdens: Many countries impose high gambling taxes, including levies on stakes, winnings, and gross gaming revenue. Kenya, for instance, applies a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue, plus corporate tax, which further impacts operator profits.
• Weak Enforcement: Some jurisdictions suffer from lax enforcement of their gambling regulations, allowing unlicensed operators to flourish. This undermines fair competition and erodes consumer trust in these countries.
• Digital Infrastructure Gaps: Mobile access is growing across the continent, but rural areas often lack reliable data signal coverage. High data costs and low-spec devices can hinder gameplay, especially for online live dealer games. 
• Payment System Challenges: Mobile payments now dominate in some regions, such as M-Pesa in Kenya, but access and integration vary widely. Currency controls, transaction limits, and regulatory barriers complicate payouts and cross-border casino operations.
• Cultural and Religious Barriers: In more conservative regions, casino gaming may face public resistance, especially in Muslim-majority areas. Operators must localise offerings to avoid offence and remain compliant. 

The regulatory landscape for online casinos in Africa is expected to continue evolving steadily in the next few years. While change will not be uniform, the following key trends are beginning to emerge across the continent:

• Steady Legal Reform: More African countries are reviewing or updating outdated decades-old gambling legislation to include fresh provisions for online casino operations. This is particularly evident in markets like Nigeria, where recent court rulings have prompted regulatory innovation at the state level.
• Regional Harmonisation: Regional bodies and cross-border partnerships, such as Nigeria’s Universal Reciprocity Certificate (URC), may pave the way for broader regulatory cooperation. This could reduce fragmentation and encourage more consistent licensing frameworks across Africa.
• Responsible Gambling Focus: As online gambling expands, regulators are placing greater emphasis on player protection, AML compliance, and responsible gambling tools. Future licences may well require stricter responsible gambling measures.
• Increased Enforcement: More African governments are stepping up enforcement efforts against unlicensed casino platforms, including offshore operators targeting local players without approval. These efforts are set to intensify as local regulatory frameworks mature and gambling tax revenues become increasingly important. 
• Private Sector Inclusion: Some state-controlled markets, such as those mentioned above, may begin to open to private operators under partnership or concession models. This shift would expand access while maintaining government oversight. 
• Digital-First Regulation: As African mobile adoption rises, future local regulation will likely prioritise digital compliance requirements. Rules around secure payment systems, real-time monitoring tools, and user verification standards may be tailored to mobile-first platforms. 

Africa’s online casino sector presents a dynamic mix of risk and reward across its 52 countries. Territories with transparent, functioning regulatory bodies and rising digital engagement offer solid potential for legal and sustainable online casino operators. 

However, understanding the local nuances and landscape will be key to operational and commercial success. It’s essential that operators seeking entry into local African online casino markets should conduct thorough legal and market due diligence prior to entry. 

One thing is certain: as regulation continues to mature and digital infrastructure improves, Africa is poised to become a globally significant region for online casinos.