South Africa’s iGaming market has the foundations to remain one of Africa’s strongest regulated gaming markets, but clearer regulation is needed to drive investment, innovation and sustainable growth, according to Solomon Godwin, Head of Africa at Booming Games. Speaking to SiGMA News, Godwin said balanced regulation, stronger payment infrastructure and greater alignment across African markets will determine the industry’s next phase of growth.
He said rapid growth in mobile technology, digital payments and smartphone adoption is creating favourable conditions for regulated gaming across Africa. However, he added that clear regulation will determine how much of that opportunity licensed operators and suppliers can unlock.
Regulation will shape the market’s future
Godwin said South Africa already has many advantages, including an established player base, a mature payments ecosystem and growing interest from local and international operators. However, uncertainty surrounding online casino regulation continues to influence long-term investment decisions.
“From an innovation standpoint, regulation should do more than simply govern the industry. It should create an environment where businesses can invest and innovate with confidence,” Godwin said.
He added that clear standards covering game certification, server hosting, player verification, advertising, data protection and responsible gambling would provide operators and suppliers with the certainty needed to launch new products and invest in mobile-first technologies.
“Regulation should do more than simply govern the industry. It should create an environment where businesses can invest and innovate with confidence.”
– Solomon Godwin, Head of Africa at Booming Games
Godwin said a balanced framework should protect consumers, strengthen responsible gambling measures and combat illegal operators while giving licensed businesses the confidence to innovate and grow sustainably.
Mobile payments remain a competitive advantage
Godwin believes mobile gaming is now an expectation rather than a competitive advantage, with players demanding seamless experiences from registration to withdrawals. He said local payment solutions continue to play the biggest role in building customer trust and retaining players.
Godwin also noted that mobile technologies and services contributed an estimated US$240 billion to Africa’s economy in 2025, underlining the increasing role of digital connectivity in driving online entertainment across the continent.
“Ultimately, mobile provides access, payments create trust and AI improves relevance. In the South African market, I believe the operators that combine all three, but place secure, fast and locally relevant payments at the centre of the customer journey, will have the strongest advantage in both acquisition and long-term retention,” he said.
Godwin added that artificial intelligence will become increasingly important in personalising player experiences, customer support and responsible gambling, provided it is used responsibly and supports player protection.
Fragmented regulation slows African expansion
Looking across the continent, Godwin identified fragmented regulation as one of the biggest barriers facing operators seeking to expand into multiple African markets.
He said countries do not need a single regulatory framework, but greater alignment on technical standards, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering controls, player verification and data protection would reduce costs and improve market access.
“The strongest frameworks will protect players, create confidence for investors and still give licensed operators and suppliers enough room to innovate,” Godwin said.
He added that predictable licensing processes and sustainable tax structures would help licensed businesses compete while reducing the appeal of illegal gambling operators.
Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana lead growth outlook
Godwin identified Nigeria and Kenya as Africa’s strongest growth markets after South Africa, with Ghana also showing strong potential because of increasing fintech adoption and a growing regulated gaming sector.
“The winning markets will be those that combine clear regulation, sustainable taxation, effective enforcement, trusted local payments and enough flexibility for operators and suppliers to develop products that genuinely reflect local player behaviour.”
– Solomon Godwin, Head of Africa at Booming Games
He said Nigeria stands out because of its large population, young consumer base and rapidly expanding digital economy. According to Godwin, the country’s entertainment and media market is projected to grow faster than those of South Africa and Kenya through 2029, reflecting rising demand for mobile content and digital services.
Godwin said Kenya’s mature mobile money ecosystem and established online betting market continue to support industry growth, while Ghana’s online gambling market reportedly grew by 24 per cent in 2025, making it one of Africa’s emerging regulated gaming markets.
He also highlighted Tanzania and Uganda as markets to watch, citing their young populations, established sports betting cultures and strong mobile money ecosystems. According to Godwin, expanding smartphone adoption, improving mobile connectivity and wider use of digital payments continue to support growth across Africa. “The winning markets will be those that combine clear regulation, sustainable taxation, effective enforcement, trusted local payments and enough flexibility for operators and suppliers to develop products that genuinely reflect local player behaviour,” Godwin said.
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