What are people betting on?

Football remains by far the most popular betting option across Africa, according to the GeoPoll Betting in Africa 2026 report released on July 16.

The survey found that 67 per cent of respondents primarily bet on football, underscoring the sport's dominance in the continent's betting industry.

Aviator and other crash games ranked a distant second at 13 per cent, followed by casino games at 11 per cent.

Lotteries accounted for five per cent of betting preferences, while four per cent of respondents said they participated in other forms of gambling.

The survey was conducted across six African countries—Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda—providing insights into betting trends across the region.

The findings highlight football's unrivalled appeal among punters, driven by the popularity of major domestic leagues and international competitions.

They also reflect the growing presence of digital betting platforms, which have made it easier for millions of Africans to access a wide range of gambling products through their mobile phones.