A number of leading sportsbook operators are considering expansion into East African territory.  “This requires a hybrid online-retail system in order to work perfectly” explains sportsbook specialist . His company´s launch in the region went live in Kenya recently.

Online sports betting is recovering in East African markets

Sports betting in East Africa struggled during the pandemic but many regulators in the region used this time to introduce new gambling regulations. This was not always received positively by sportsbooks operators. For example in 2009 Kenya’s government raised excise duty on betting from 10 percent to 20 percent.  As a result of this, some operators in the region deactivated online content and stopped their iGaming operations. 

“Sportsbook operators will need to develop a light version of sports betting” adds Stranomitis. He says that this will allow users of Opera Mini data to enjoy full pre-match and live betting from mobile phones when in saving mode. 

Sports betting in East Africa continues to grow at a rapid pace with football being the most followed sports in the region. However there is still a gap in the market and this should make it very attractive to operators to expand in a new emerging market

One of the challenges for operators is a slow internet connection.  Opportunities for operators to expand will be driven by digitization and mobile devices with strong internet connections with an offer of more payment options.

Join us for the first ever SiGMA Africa Summit this January

2023 is promising to be SiGMA Group’s busiest year yet, with a global roadmap reaching six distinct markets across four continents. Our first stop is in Nairobi, Kenya, which will open its doors to delegates on the 16th of January. Visitors will benefit from premium networking opportunities and a gripping conference covering the latest developments from and insights on the emerging African market. !