The rise of online sports betting in West Africa is a phenomenon that has gained considerable momentum in recent years. This trend is part of a wider context of rapid digitization on the African continent, coupled with a deep-rooted passion for sport, particularly soccer.
In countries such as Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali, online sports betting platforms have become major economic players. They have completely transformed not only the entertainment landscape, but also that of the digital economy.
So which West African countries are home to the best bookmakers in the world? We'll try to answer this question on this page.
African countries where online sports betting sites are present
1. Benin
Benin is a country in West Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its population is estimated at around 13.35 million. Benin's economy is mainly based on agriculture, with cotton as its main export crop. The country has enjoyed stable economic growth in recent years, but still faces development challenges.
The online sports betting sector in Benin has experienced rapid growth since the mid-2010s. This expansion has been driven by increasing Internet penetration and the growing adoption of smartphones. Soccer, the country's most popular sport, is the main driver of this industry.
Several online sports betting sites are present on the Beninese market:
- Premier Bet
- 1xBet
- Betwinner
- 22bet
- 1win
2. Ivory Coast
Côte d'Ivoire is located in West Africa. With a population of around 26 million, it is the third largest economy in West Africa. The Ivorian economy is diversified, based on agriculture (the world's leading cocoa producer), industry and services. The country has enjoyed strong economic growth since the end of the political crisis in 2011.
The online sports betting market in Côte d'Ivoire has grown considerably in recent years. Today, it is one of the countries with the most sports betting sites in Africa. This is obviously due to a young population with a passion for sports, a regulatory framework favorable to sports betting sites, and generous bonuses on registration.
Bookmakers present in Côte d'Ivoire :
- 1win
- 22bet
- 1xbet
- Betwinner
- 888Starz
3. Senegal
Senegal, a West African country with a population of around 16 million, has seen the world of sports betting expand rapidly in recent years. The Senegalese sports betting market is dynamic and booming. It is characterized by a strong presence online and via mobile applications, and a diversification of the types of bets offered (pre-match, live, system betting).
The sector is supervised by ARTP and Lonase, whose role is to :
- Ensuring the legality and transparency of operations
- Protecting players, especially minors
- Generate tax revenues for the State
- Preventing money laundering and fraud
The various online sports betting sites present in Senegal: 1win, 22bet, Betwinner, 1xBet, Premier Bet.
4. Togo
The world of sports betting in Togo is booming. Although less developed than in some neighboring countries, the Togolese market is attracting more and more international and local operators, mainly focused on soccer.
Bookmakers present in Togo: 1win, 1xBet, 888Starz, Premier Bet, Betwinner, 22Bet.
5. Burkina-Faso
In the streets of Ouagadougou, a new fever is gripping young people: sports betting. Here, there are no big, flashy billboards or stores on every street corner. No, it's on the screens of smartphones that this discreet but intense game is played.
All these young punters want to bet and make money.
Bookmakers or online sports betting sites present in Burkina-Faso: 1win, 1xBet, Premier Bet, Betwinner, 888Starz, 22bet
6. Mali
The Malian sports betting market is blossoming dynamically, with exciting new opportunities on the horizon. Focused on soccer, Mali's king sport, it attracts a young, connected customer base. And with the arrival of experienced international bookmakers such as 1win, 1xBet, Betwinner, Premier Bet, etc., the sports betting sector in Mali is at its peak, with no end in sight.
7. Gabon
Gabon, a Central African country rich in natural resources, notably oil, is also seeing growth in the online sports betting industry. With a young, connected population, the rise of the Internet and the widespread use of smartphones have facilitated access to online betting platforms. Soccer, which is very popular in Gabon, is the main attraction for punters. International operators such as 1xBet and Betwinner are present, attracting more and more users thanks to varied offers and sign-up bonuses. Although the market is still in its infancy, it shows definite potential in a country where sport occupies an important place in popular culture.
8. Cameroon
Cameroon, a Central African country renowned for its passion for soccer, is experiencing a boom in the online sports betting market. With a population of over 26 million, many of whom are young and connected, increased access to the Internet and smartphones has boosted the popularity of this activity. Cameroonian soccer, with its internationally renowned clubs and players, is a particular boon to the betting industry. International platforms such as 1xBet, Premier Bet and Betwinner are very active here, offering a variety of betting services tailored to local needs. Although the sector is growing, regulations still need to be strengthened to provide a framework for this booming industry, while protecting players and generating tax revenue for the country.
9. DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a vast Central African country with a population of over 90 million, is seeing growing interest in online sports betting. Despite economic challenges and a still-developing digital infrastructure, increasing access to smartphones and the Internet in major cities like Kinshasa has enabled sports betting platforms to flourish. Soccer, the DRC's king sport, is the main driver of this industry, attracting a young and passionate population. International bookmakers such as 1xBet and Betwinner have established themselves in the country, attracting large numbers of punters thanks to their bonuses and varied betting offers. However, in the absence of a strict regulatory framework, player protection and tax revenue management remain major challenges for the sustainable development of this industry in the DRC.
10. Guinea
The West African country of Guinea is experiencing a surge in online sports betting, spurred on by a young population and an undeniable passion for soccer. Although the country's economy is mainly based on its natural resources, notably bauxite, the rise of digital technologies and the growing adoption of smartphones have opened up new prospects for online betting. Soccer, the most popular sport in Guinea, attracts many punters, eager to try their luck on platforms such as 1xBet, Premier Bet and Betwinner, which are gradually establishing themselves in the country. Nevertheless, the betting market in Guinea is still developing, and the introduction of clear regulations could prove essential to supervise this booming sector and maximize its economic spin-offs.
11. Niger
Niger, a Sahelian country in West Africa, is gradually seeing the emergence of the online sports betting industry, despite an economic context fundamentally focused on agriculture and livestock farming. Internet penetration is still low in some rural areas, but growing urbanization and the adoption of smartphones, particularly among young people, have enabled online betting to gain in popularity. As in many neighboring countries, soccer is the main sport attracting Nigerian punters. International platforms such as 1xBet, Betwinner and Premier Bet are beginning to make their presence felt in the Nigerian market. However, the regulatory framework surrounding sports betting remains underdeveloped, requiring efforts to ensure appropriate supervision and avoid abuse, while generating benefits for the national economy.
Conclusion
It's worth noting that all these countries have regulated the presence of online sports betting and casino gaming sites on their territory. The bonuses and promos offered by some bookmakers as soon as a new user registers are a joy for any bettor. Whether you like it or not, online sports betting is the new face of gambling. Indeed, thanks to the Internet connection, which has become very accessible, anyone can place a bet from anywhere.
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