As Africa’s online gambling industry surges, payment systems have emerged as its foundational pillar. A combination of mobile-first infrastructure, financial innovation, and digital adaptation has reshaped how bettors fund their accounts. From M-Pesa dominance in East Africa to cryptocurrency’s quiet emergence, here’s a deep dive into how payment channels are enabling Africa’s iGaming expansion—country by country and method by method.
Mobile Money: The Unrivalled Backbone of African Betting
In East and Central Africa, mobile money reigns supreme. These wallet-like platforms, operated by telecom companies, offer bettors a seamless, low-cost, and widespread way to transact—often without needing internet access.
Kenya remains the poster child, with over 90% of bets processed through M-Pesa. Integration with betting platforms is streamlined via paybill codes, making deposits and withdrawals fast and accessible—even via USSD for users with basic phones.
In Tanzania, the triumvirate of M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Tigo Pesa supports a growing betting market, with around 45% adult mobile money penetration.
Uganda and Ghana show similar trends. In Uganda, MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money dominate, while Ghana’s MTN MoMo and Vodafone Cash are omnipresent. Cash is easily converted to e-value through widespread agent networks, making mobile wallets vital even in semi-rural areas.
Nigeria, despite being Africa’s most populous nation, is an outlier: only ~4% use mobile money. Instead, fintechs like Paga, OPay, and PalmPay serve a similar purpose, blending wallet features with local bank integrations.
Bank Cards & Fintech: Gaining Ground in Banked Economies
Bank integrations are stronger in countries with higher financial inclusion:
In South Africa, bank cards (Visa/MasterCard) and instant EFT options like Ozow or SID are standard. Some bookmakers even integrate with banks like FNB to offer eWallet services.
In Nigeria, about 40% of adults are banked. Popular gateways such as Paystack and Flutterwave facilitate both card payments and direct bank transfers. USSD banking also allows users to fund betting accounts without internet.
In Francophone Africa, mobile money is again key (e.g., Orange Money, MTN), but card usage exists—though limited by card caps, fraud concerns, and complex authentication steps.
E-Wallets, Airtime, and Vouchers: Bridging the Payment Gaps
While international e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller used to serve African high-rollers, local use is declining. South Africa remains a notable exception, with Skrill accepted on select sites. PayPal, due to its anti-gambling merchant stance and limited regional support, sees minimal usage.
Airtime betting—where wagers are charged to phone credit—has seen limited trials in countries like Cameroon and Ghana, but telcos and regulators prefer mobile money due to transparency and taxation challenges.
Vouchers and cash-to-digital bridges are gaining traction:
In South Africa, vouchers like OTT and 1ForYou are sold at convenience stores, offering unbanked users a path into online betting.
In Nigeria and Ghana, agent networks allow cash deposits or withdrawals directly linked to online betting accounts.
Some operators allow deposits via bank branch or ATM, though this is decreasing with mobile money adoption.
Crypto Gambling: Underground Momentum and Regulatory Blind Spots
Cryptocurrency is still a niche, but its presence is growing in specific scenarios:
In volatile economies like Nigeria and Zimbabwe, Bitcoin or USDT offer a store of value and a gateway to offshore platforms.
Crypto-only betting sites, often unlicensed locally, attract players through anonymity, fast payouts, and access to provably fair games.
Though Uganda’s BetLion piloted crypto deposits in 2022, regulatory clarity is lacking. Most licensed African operators do not accept crypto, reflecting cautious oversight.
P2P conversions and VPN+crypto workarounds are common among tech-savvy youth. A 2023 Astute Analytica report forecasting 40% of platforms integrating blockchain by 2024 appears overly optimistic, with real-world adoption still in its infancy.
Final Thoughts: Payment Infrastructure as a Competitive Differentiator
Payment channels are not just a utility—they define user experience, operator margins, and regulatory compliance in African iGaming. Mobile money continues to be the gold standard, but fintechs, voucher ecosystems, and even crypto are reshaping the options available. As regulation evolves and connectivity improves, betting operators who prioritise localised, frictionless, and secure payments will capture the next wave of digital bettors across the continent.
