By 
Aanuoluwa Omotosho
Recently, in March 2017, a rapid survey by GeoPoll was carried out to gain insights into mobile gambling in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Results showed that among 3,879 youth in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania, Kenya spends much more on betting, up to $50 on sports betting every month. According to reports, this could be due to their high affinity towards sports and the proliferation of local sports betting players.
In terms of gambling frequency, Kenya also recorded the highest number of youths who have participated in gambling or betting in the past at 76%, followed by Uganda at 57%. Ghana had the least number at 42%.
In terms of Sports betting, football betting reigns in all countries except in South Africa. From the survey, lotteries are a more preferred gambling choice compared to football, casino, racing and poker in South Africa. Kenyan youths bet the most with 79% of bets placed on football matches.
In terms of Mobile usage, 75% of those who bet do use their mobile phones in Sub-Sahara Africa. At 96%, Kenya had the highest number of youths who used their mobile phones for gambling. South Africa, though having the highest rate of mobile penetration in Africa, has the lowest usage of the mobile for gambling at 48%.
According to reports, “Mobile phones have become the African Las Vegas. Football betting and the popularity of English football leagues continue to grow in a symbiotic way with a growing youth population that continues to be defined by its uptake of technology.”
It added, “Although the stakes are not yet high, all the signs are there of a steady and unfettered domination of sports entertainment and gambling in sub-Saharan Africa.”
