Salaried Africans Love Football, Fast Games, But Face Betting Risks

Tech, modest stakes, and regulatory changes are spurring a betting bonanza in South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, with wagers increasingly favouring fast-paced games like Aviator over soccer as experts sound the alarm on rising risks.

Football and quick-play games, such as Aviator, are capturing the attention of working Africans, transforming the industry's core user base, and increasing mobile betting activity across the continent. This, however, comes amid growing concern over the serious risks of betting addiction and financial ruin .

A 2024 industry review from Play The Game, an initiative by the Danish Institute for Sports Studies, revealed that "betting has become a growing problem among young populations in Africa, leading to addiction, financial ruin, and even suicide in extreme cases."

The institute further notes that aggressive marketing tactics by betting companies, coupled with the accessibility of mobile platforms, have exacerbated these issues.

New York-based cultural and policy institution, The Africa Centre, also cautioned that if gambling-related disorders in Africa continue to grow unchecked, it would lead to financial difficulties, crime, and mental health problems."