A recent study by Gaming Compliance International (GCI) identifies Nigeria as a leader in online betting regulation within Africa, despite widespread issues with illicit operators. The report, which analyzed the entire continent, revealed that total gross gaming revenue reached $23 billion in 2025. Of that amount, only $5.2 billion came from regulated businesses, while $17.8 billion originated from unlicensed sources.
In West Africa, revenue climbed to $4.8 billion in 2025. Regulated platforms generated $1.5 billion, while $3.3 billion moved through shadow channels. Nigeria notably outperformed its peers, maintaining an unregulated market share of just 56 percent, significantly lower than the regional average of 69 percent and the continental rate of 77 percent.
Total participation across Africa grew from 198 million people in 2024 to 215 million in 2025. This expansion coincided with a rise in unlicensed websites, which grew from 3,644 to 4,129. These illegal entities cost African governments an estimated $3.55 billion in potential tax income for 2025. GCI executives Matt Holt and Ismail Vali emphasized that this data offers a vital tool for governments to improve oversight, protect citizens, and build investment-friendly markets that favor licensed providers.
