Games of chance and skill have existed as a natural extension of human competitiveness for a very long time. They provide fun, mental stimulation, tests of hand-eye co-ordination and a sense of belonging.

Africa is no exception, with citizens enjoying the thrilling pace of play as well as the chance of making a return.

The continent consists of 54 countries, with nearly 1.5 Billion inhabitants. A love of sport, as well as a culture of gambling and games, instils in this large populace the desire to partake in the action.

Africa’s strongest economy, South Africa, also has the largest gambling revenue among the 54 countries. With users moving between the most popular land-based casinos and the best online casinos in South Africa, making the most of both.

Types Of Casinos In Africa

1. Mobile Gaming, has become incredibly popular in Africa. Individuals are spending more time away from home than they did in the past. Delivery drivers, taxi, truck and bus drivers, as well as those running food stalls or in markets are all in need of distraction and enjoyment. Better network coverage, lower connection fees and more smartphones has allowed these citizens to access mobile gaming. Many casino game developers have recognized this trend and have optimized their games for mobile platforms, by scaling screen resolution down and allowing simple one or two button operation.

2. Online Gambling, is the umbrella term which encompasses mobile gambling. In addition to smart phone use, online gambling can take place on tablets, laptops and PC’s. Similar to gambling on smart phones, technological advancement and improved internet connectivity have played a major role in online gambling’s spread. With estimates projecting revenue at $ 1.9 Billion US Dollars for 2024.

3. Localized Casino Games, offer African themed games to its users. The games are tailored to local culture and preferences, showcasing African symbols, motifs, colour palettes, themes and phrases. African online casinos give their platforms a local spin, leading to successful marketing and a display of continental pride. 

4. Sports Betting, forms a sizable part of African gambling habits. The continent has a strong relationship with sport, including running, wrestling and soccer. Bets can be placed at the sporting venues, at physical betting locations and using online and mobile apps. The live nature of sports and the skill required to master a particular sport, add to the excitement bettors feel when they can ‘participate’ through wagers. Camaraderie and a deep knowledge of sporting trivia, form a big part of this type of gambling.

5. Land-Based Casinos, still play a role in Africa’s gambling industry, despite the success of online alternatives. Hotel stays, shopping activities, golf courses, live events and mall-style safety cannot be easily replaced. Countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco have well-established casino destinations that attract both locals and tourists. Offering the gambling staples of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.

Benefits And Pitfalls

Critics and proponents have a variety of views on gambling in Africa.

Pros:

  • Land-based casinos provide an enormous amount of employment, through kitchens, hotel management, concierge services and casino staff. The employment has strong implications for the ability of a caregiver to provide the basics of housing, clothing and food, but also further education. The staff themselves benefit from education as well, with on site training, courses and continued learning on the job providing mental stimulation, advances in income and personal confidence. Additionally, infrastructure networks such as bus lines, train tracks and taxi routes receive higher patronage, from travelling staff, and vendors of these services benefit.
  • Tourists, both local and international, who come to gamble in Africa require accommodation, take part in tours, use airport shuttles and contribute to airport maintenance through taxes and fees levied on to their airline tickets. This influx from tourism forms a continuous network of positive marketing, national income and word of mouth for a country or region.
  • Local governments have a solid tax base, from land-based and online casino activities. Investors and stakeholders, both African and international, benefit from positive casino returns. So do game developers, coders, graphic designers and statisticians who work to create online and mobile games.
  • Businesses gain income through the legal placement of slot machines in their venues and on their premises.

Cons:

  • A lack of stable employment and the resultant poverty drive some citizens to gaming, to forget about their financial concerns and to hopefully make a return. Responsible gambling habits are critical in combating this.
  • Income from casinos, especially online casinos, can move out of the continent quite easily – leaving less for locals and local investors than hoped. Use of secure platforms, well thought through contracts between African and international investors and government oversight, can alleviate this.

It Is A Topic Not Easily Decided On

As with many areas that span the public and private sectors, a trusted third party is required. Government legislation and policies might be needed to better regulate the gambling industry in Africa and provide a solid framework for casinos, investors and online platforms to follow.

Youth education, as well as campaigns supporting responsible gambling, should be continually available to citizens.

When gambling, always spend wisely, do not over-extend, be prepared for occasional losses and ask for assistance if needed. In the end, gambling should be a fun, immersive and challenging past-time, something to be enjoyed.