Nigeria has been ranked as one of Africa’s most regulated online gambling markets, outperforming many countries on the continent despite the continued dominance of illegal betting operators, according to a new report by Gaming Compliance International (GCI).
The report, which examined online gambling activities across all 54 African countries, revealed that Africa’s online gambling industry generated $23 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2025.
However, only $5.2 billion, representing 23 per cent, came from licensed operators, while $17.8 billion, or 77 per cent, was generated through unregulated gambling platforms.
In West Africa, online gambling revenue increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $4.8 billion in 2025.
Licensed operators accounted for $1.5 billion of that figure, while $3.3 billion flowed to illegal operators, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges across the region.
Nigeria recorded the strongest performance in West Africa, with the lowest unregulated market share of 56 per cent, compared to the regional average of 69 per cent and the continental average of 77 per cent.
The report also showed that online gambling participation across Africa grew from 198 million people in 2024 to 215 million in 2025, representing 14 per cent of the continent’s population.
Despite the industry’s growth, GCI estimated that illegal gambling operators deprived African governments of about $3.55 billion in tax revenue in 2025.
The report further revealed that the number of unlicensed gambling websites targeting African consumers increased from 3,644 in 2024 to 4,129 in 2025.
Commenting on the findings, Gaming Compliance International (GCI) Chief Executive Officer, Matt Holt, said the report provides regulators with the first comprehensive benchmark for improving oversight and protecting consumers across Africa.
“The report provides regulators with the first continent-wide benchmark for strengthening oversight and consumer protection,” Holt said.
Also speaking, GCI President, Ismail Vali, urged African governments to strengthen their regulatory frameworks and create competitive markets that encourage consumers to use licensed operators.
“Governments should develop competitive and well-regulated markets that encourage consumers to patronise licensed operators, boost public revenue and attract greater investment,” Vali stated.
