As the global gambling industry continues to expand, Africa is quickly emerging as a promising new frontier for international operators. With a population exceeding 1.3 billion, a large and youthful demographic, rising smartphone penetration, and rapidly improving mobile payments and internet infrastructure, the continent offers an ideal environment for building a thriving iGaming and sports betting ecosystem.

More and more African countries are establishing regulatory bodies and issuing legal gambling licenses to bring the industry into formal legal frameworks. From South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria to Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia, countries are actively legalizing gambling and developing regulatory systems—drawing the attention of global iGaming operators into the African market.

Today, TC-Gaming White Label walks you through which African countries have opened up legal gambling markets, their respective licensing application processes, fees, validity periods, local requirements, and the feasibility and considerations of obtaining iGaming licenses in different regions. Whether you're planning to launch an iGaming platform in Africa or seeking a suitable offshore gambling license, this guide offers valuable insights.

Current State of Africa’s Gambling Market

Mobile-First iGaming Dominates

Compared to fixed broadband, mobile networks have seen faster growth in Africa. As a result, most users place bets using smartphones instead of desktops. This makes optimizing for mobile experience absolutely essential.

Sports Betting Leads the Market, iGaming Casinos Still Emerging

Sports betting remains the most popular gambling segment, particularly in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Online sports wagering has already achieved significant scale. iGaming casinos, on the other hand, are still in early development due to higher data usage and bandwidth requirements. However, with 5G infrastructure rolling out and rising disposable incomes, casino penetration is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Land-Based Casinos Driven by Tourism

In North African countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, gambling is restricted for locals but permitted in hotel-based casinos catering to foreign tourists—an important revenue stream for tourism. These countries also operate national gambling bodies (such as Promosport and MDJS) to fund sports development.

Gambling Regulation in Africa: Market Categories

1. Black Market Gambling Regions

1. Examples: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco
2. Status: Gambling is banned for citizens but allowed for tourists in designated casinos. iGaming laws are unclear—licenses are not issued, yet enforcement is often lax.

2. Unregulated Markets

1. Examples: Most Sub-Saharan countries like Cameroon, Niger
2. Status: No specific gambling laws or regulators. Foreign iGaming platforms can enter freely, but legal protection is weak or non-existent.

3. Unregulated But Licensed Markets

1. Examples: Kenya, Uganda, Zambia
2. Status: Local governments issue licenses for offline gambling, but many operators extend these to iGaming activities. This creates a “land-based license used for iGaming” hybrid model. While legally ambiguous, it offers practical flexibility for operators.

Examples:

1. Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB)
2. Uganda’s National Gaming Board (NGBU)
3. Zambia allows licensed land-based operators to engage in iGaming despite the absence of clear online regulation

4. Regulated Gambling Markets (Clear Laws + Licensing System)

1. Examples: South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania
2. Status: These countries have well-defined legal frameworks, licensing procedures, and tax policies. Considered the most reliable iGaming markets in Africa, foreign operators must typically establish a local entity and host servers domestically—requirements that raise entry barriers but offer a stable, legal environment.

South Africa's Gambling Market and Licensing System

South Africa is one of the most mature gambling markets in Africa and one of the few countries with a provincial-level gambling regulatory system. In 2024, South Africa’s iGaming Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) achieved a year-on-year growth of 25.7%, demonstrating a highly dynamic market that is drawing significant attention from gambling operators. If your gambling platform mainly focuses on sports betting, South Africa is one of the most promising markets to consider entering in Africa—it is legal, stable, and regulated. However, for gambling platforms based on casino-style games (such as slots or roulette), there is currently no legal foundation, and policies are still pending further development.

Legal Scope: Sports Betting is Legal; iGaming Casino Games Not Yet Allowed

Although many people in South Africa believe that iGaming is fully legal, in reality, only sports betting (including iGaming betting) is legally permitted. As for casino-style iGaming (such as slots, roulette, etc.), it is still not allowed under South African law.

Regulatory Bodies: Licensing Issued by Provincial Governments

South Africa adopts a “federal + provincial” system, and gambling licenses are issued by the Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) established by each provincial government. Among them, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) is currently the most popular licensing body among operators.

Fee

While the licensing fees in South Africa are relatively low, there are several key issues to be aware of:

1. One major requirement is the probity investigation, which is a crucial part of the application process. This may include a detailed review of the company’s shareholders, sources of funding, business compliance, and more. The procedures can be complex and time-consuming.
2. Requirements also vary across different provinces. Some provinces may impose additional conditions, such as setting up a local office, deploying servers within the province, or hiring local staff.

Application Requirements & Process for a South African Gambling Licence

Applicants typically need to prepare the following documentation:

1. Certificate of Incorporation and Company Constitution
2. Financial Statements or Proof of Funds
3. Information on Shareholders and Management (including criminal background checks)
4. Business Plan:
5. Local Legal Opinion (Compliance Advisory)

The entire approval process can take between 3 to 6 months, so it's strongly advised that operators interested in entering the South African market plan ahead and consider engaging a professional legal team to assist with the application process.

Nigeria’s iGaming Market and Licensing System

As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria—with a population of over 200 million and rapid growth in mobile users—has become one of the most dynamic and high-potential iGaming markets on the continent. However, due to the “multi-agency regulation” shared between the federal and state governments, gambling operators must clearly define their business model and target audience before applying for a license to avoid falling into regulatory gray areas.

Federal vs. State Government: A Dual-Track Regulatory System

The most distinctive feature of Nigeria’s gambling industry is its dual-track regulatory system, governed by both federal and state authorities. Currently, the two main licensing bodies are:

Because both entities issue licenses, the regulatory framework can be confusing. Many operators either navigate both agencies or choose to align with just one.

Nigeria Gambling License Fees

Note: Members of the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers are entitled to a 50% discount on license fees.

Nigeria Gambling License Application Requirements and Process

The application process for a Nigerian gambling license is relatively formalized. Required documents include:

1. Company registration and information on directors
2. A five-year financial forecast and business plan
3. Compliance declarations and anti-money laundering (AML) policies
4. Tax and banking details
5. Local server or partner information (if any)

The review process usually takes 1 to 3 months, but due to the decentralized nature of government, it is sometimes necessary to coordinate the opinions of multiple departments.

Kenya’s Gambling Market and Licensing System

Kenya is one of the earliest African countries to formally establish a gambling regulatory framework and remains one of the most vibrant gambling markets on the continent today. The reason why Kenya’s gambling market attracts significant interest from international gambling companies is not just its high level of activity, but also because it is one of the few African markets that operates under a formal and transparent licensing system. For gambling operators, Kenya offers a favorable environment for long-term investment and localized development.

Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority: BCLB

Kenya’s gambling industry is fully regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). This agency is responsible for issuing licenses to both physical and iGaming operators, covering sectors such as sports betting, lotteries, and casinos.

Requirements for Applying for a Kenya Gambling License

To apply for a gambling license in Kenya, applicants must submit the following documents and information:

1. Official application form
2. Detailed business proposal for the intended operations
3. Proposed company/brand name
4. Proof of funds to support public gambling operations
5. Business plan outlining minimum investment and source of funds
6. Types of gambling games to be offered with brief descriptions
7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity plan during the license period

Kenya Gambling License Fees

In addition, BCLB offers licenses for the following types of gambling operators:

1. Sports Betting Operators (Bookmakers)
2. Lottery Operators
3. Prize Competitions
4. Pooltable Establishments
5. Horse Racing/Totalizator Betting Systems

Fees vary slightly depending on the license type and are subject to BCLB’s final approval.

Tanzania Gambling Market and Licensing System

Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa that has fully legalized and regulated the gambling market. Both online casinos and sports betting can be officially recognized by the Tanzanian government.

Tanzania Gambling Regulatory Authority

Tanzania's gambling industry is fully regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT). This authority is responsible for issuing all types of gambling licenses:

1. Online Casinos
2. Online Sportsbooks
3. Traditional land-based casinos
4. Lotteries, arcades, horse racing, etc.

Tanzania Gambling License Fees

Although Tanzania has an open gambling regulatory environment, it has set a relatively high entry threshold, favoring gambling companies with medium- to long-term operational plans and financial strength.

1. Monthly License Fee: Approximately €500 per month (around $530).
2. Betting Tax (for sports betting only): Licensed gambling operators are required to pay a tax of 6% on the total betting amount.
3. Local companies: The minimum investment amount is $300,000. Foreign companies or foreign-owned enterprises: The minimum investment amount is $500,000.

Tanzania Gambling License Application Requirements and Process

The typical approval period for a gambling license application in Tanzania is 1-3 months. The exact timeline depends on the completeness of the documentation and the efficiency of communication during the approval process. Generally, the following documents are required:

1. Company registration details and director information
2. Business plan and financial budget
3. Investment plan and funding source explanation
4. Compliance and AML policy framework
5. Local representative or partner information (recommended)

Ghana Gambling Market and Licensing System

In recent years, Ghana has attracted a large number of international gambling operators due to its stable political environment, open economic structure, and relatively friendly business atmosphere. It has become a representative of emerging gambling markets in West Africa. The Ghanaian government manages the gambling industry through the Gaming Commission of Ghana, which issues licenses to legally operating gambling companies.

Ghana Gaming Regulatory Authority

The GCG is responsible for overseeing all gambling-related business activities, including:

1. Sports Betting
2. Online Casinos
3. land-based casino
4. Lotteries and other gaming-related projects

Whether online or offline, operators must be registered with the GCG Commission and obtain the relevant license.

Requirements and Key Criteria for Ghana Gambling License

The entry barriers for obtaining a gambling license in Ghana are higher compared to other African countries:

1. Local Equity Requirements:
   • The company must be at least partly owned by Ghanaian citizens
   • At least one of the two directors must be a resident of Ghana
2. Capital requirements:
   • The minimum registered capital of the company is $2,000,000 USD
3. Compliance obligations:
   • Must submit a minor protection mechanism and responsible gambling policy
   • Provide proof of legal source of funds and relevant financial reports
4. Office space and server requirements:
   • Usually requires a local office
   • If it is an online platform, it may be required to use a local server or CDN node in Ghana

Uganda’s Gambling Market and Licensing System

Uganda is one of the more flexible gambling markets in Africa. On one hand, it has a well-established licensing framework. On the other hand, its current legal system does not strictly require all operators to hold a license. In other words, while regulation exists, its enforcement is relatively lenient. This makes Uganda’s gambling market a "greyish-white" zone, attracting many gambling companies looking to enter with minimal barriers.

As a result, Uganda is particularly suitable for gambling operators wanting to “test the waters” in the East African market. They can choose to follow the formal licensing route or take advantage of the system’s flexibility to develop alternative strategies.

Uganda’s Gambling Regulatory Body

The gambling industry in Uganda is centrally regulated by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NGBRB). This agency is responsible for issuing all gambling licenses—covering both land-based and iGaming sectors—including sports betting, casinos, and lotteries.

Uganda Gambling License Fee Structure

Note: In addition to the fees, applicants must provide financial documentation depending on the type of gambling business. Each gambling category has specific minimum capital requirements.

Other Licensing Requirements in Uganda

Although Ugandan law does not strictly enforce mandatory licensing, the formal application process still includes:

1. Company registration documents and shareholder details
2. Proof of funds and minimum investment capacity
3. Business model and details of the proposed gambling operations
4. Anti-money laundering and responsible gambling strategies
5. Potential requirement to establish a local office

Zambia’s Gambling Market and Licensing System Explained

Zambia mandates that all gambling operators be licensed. The gambling industry is legally recognized and regulated. However, current laws have yet to explicitly define the legality of iGaming. As a result, while regulation is present, the lack of legal clarity provides strategic flexibility for operators.

Zambia’s Gambling Regulatory Body

All gambling operations in Zambia are overseen by a national regulatory authority. Operators must obtain a license for all types of gambling-related activities, including:

1. land-based casino
2. Sports Betting Companies
3. Traditional gambling projects such as lottery, gaming machines, horse racing, etc.

Note: Zambian legislation currently does not clearly define or regulate iGaming platforms.

Strategic Approaches for iGaming in Zambia

Due to the regulatory gap, some gambling companies adopt the following approaches:

1. Apply for a land-based gambling license, while offering iGaming services via digital platforms
2. Register in internationally recognized jurisdictions (e.g., Curaçao, Malta) and serve the Zambian market remotely
3. Avoid establishing a physical presence in Zambia while providing accessible iGaming services from abroad

Summary

The current state of the African iGaming market is like a sizzling dish that’s not fully cooked—there’s aroma and heat, but also a bit of “pan smoke.” Varying national systems and inconsistent levels of regulation present both challenges and unique entry opportunities for operators eyeing Africa’s iGaming potential.

From the well-regulated regions of South Africa and Tanzania in the south, to the rising stars in West Africa like Ghana and Nigeria, and the increasingly heated scenes of East Africa including Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia—Africa’s iGaming market is visibly on the rise. The continent holds significant promise for future growth in the iGaming space. Each African country has its own regulatory framework, approval processes, fee structures, and localization requirements, yet the overarching trend is clear: legal compliance is a non-negotiable baseline for success in Africa’s iGaming industry. Right now marks a crucial moment to evaluate the best time and strategy to enter. Still, while the market is enticing, the barriers to entry are high:

1. Some countries have mature regulatory systems but strict localization demands;
2. Others have unclear legal landscapes that create gray zones—but with that comes instability;
3. Certain regions offer flexible licensing yet impose strict checks on compliance documentation, funding proof, and anti-money laundering policies.

For gaming platforms that are entering the African market for the first time, understanding the laws and regulations of various countries is only the first step. What is more important is to have a practical team that can help you with "implementation + technology". FS Gaming, as a leading gaming package company in the gaming package industry, has long been focused on providing overseas global gaming brands with:

1. Multi-region gambling compliance consulting
2. One-stop white label iGaming deployment (go live in just 10 minutes)
3. Integration of multilingual interfaces, local currencies, and multi-channel payment systems
4. 24/7 technical operations support with rapid response to every need

Whether you're testing the waters in Africa, expanding into the Middle East, or growing into Southeast Asia and mainstream Western markets, TC-Gaming can deliver tailored, compliant, and stable white label iGaming solutions that save time, cut costs, and accelerate your go-to-market timeline.

Looking to learn more about the latest African iGaming regulations? Need a tailored market entry strategy?