African Gambling Market Projected to Reach $11.3 Billion as Super Group and Sun International Drive Regional Growth

Africa’s gambling sector is set to reach $11.3B by 2032. Explore how Betway, Hollywoodbets, and Sun Bet are leading the charge in South Africa and Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 10:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from iGB

The Economic Trajectory of the African Continent

Africa is emerging as a primary frontier for the global gambling industry, with market valuations expected to climb from $6.1 billion in 2023 to $11.3 billion by 2032. This surge is fueled by a combination of rapid urbanization and a demographic profile where 70% of the sub-Saharan population is under the age of 30. Major international brands are moving quickly to establish dominance in regulated hubs, with South Africa currently standing as the most industrialized and largest market on the continent. According to data from H2 Gambling Capital, South Africa led the region in 2025 with an interactive gross win of $3.3 billion, followed by Nigeria at $1.1 billion and Ghana at $883.3 million.

Dominant Operators in Southern Africa

In the highly competitive South African landscape, a trio of operators consisting of Hollywoodbets, Betway, and Lottostar currently holds the top market positions. Sean Coleman, CEO of the South African Bookmakers Association, notes that Betway has successfully leveraged its early entry to build a massive pan-African presence, spanning countries such as Zambia, Nigeria, and most recently, Botswana. Similarly, Supabets has established a significant footprint across West and East Africa. These operators are benefiting from a user base where 60% of participants are aged 18 to 35, many of whom utilize betting applications as a potential source of supplemental income.

Financial Momentum for Global Gaming Giants

The financial performance of major groups underscores the profitability of the African portfolio. Super Group reported a 22% increase in revenue for its 2025 financial year, reaching $2.2 billion, with its African operations accelerating by 27% year-on-year. This growth was particularly noted in Botswana following a launch in February 2026. Meanwhile, Sun International is pursuing an aggressive strategy to double its digital footprint. Its online arm, Sun Bet, saw income grow by nearly 80% in the second half of 2025, prompting CEO Ulrik Bengtsson to signal a more "aggressive" approach to gaining market share through product innovation.