Online gambling is a relatively new phenomenon, and the regulations that control the gaming sector, in general, have not been sufficient to alter the online structure. The issue is no longer with a player response: every player enjoys the online casino because of what it offers: the opportunity to win large sums of money while sitting at home. The problem has mostly been caused by a lack of readability in the laws that control it. Still, it has also been exacerbated by a severe lack of financial infrastructure in many African countries.
For a long time, online casino gaming has been popular across the African continent. Most of the major African countries where online casino gambling is legal have already enacted legislation to regulate traditional gambling, such as at land-based casinos, various types of racing such as horse racing and greyhound racing, wagering activities, etc. Some of them are currently updating their legislation to include online casino gambling.
The Rule of Law has hindered progress.
The challenge has been in the area of rules; it’s been a grey atmosphere. Many international jurisdictions’ legal frameworks date back when online casinos were not yet a reality. Even though it is illegal in many countries, games are nonetheless played because of the ambiguity of the legislation. Then there are countries with a patchwork of laws and regulations, but a lack of clarity has allowed internet casinos to thrive.
Even in countries with a well-established online casino industry, such as South Africa, the legality of online gambling remains a mystery. South Africa has had a long history of playing in some form or another. The Gambling Act of 1965 was enacted to regulate the various types of gambling readily available at the time. However, it lacked the resources to deal with online gambling.
As a result, legislation was changed in the National Playing Act of 2004, which rendered online gambling illegal. The most recent ruling, passed in 2011, rendered online gambling illegal within the country, but gamers were still permitted to gamble in remote locations. This is confusing and inconsistent, given that the national gambling Board, which regulates gambling in South Africa, states that no one would be allowed to play any interactive video game that is not licensed and accredited under South African law.
One option appeared to be the government’s position, which maintains that internet casino gaming is neither prohibited nor regulated. However, this created a problem in and of itself because “not regulated” does not inherently entail “jail.” The executive branch has decided to take the formal route, requiring all operators in South Africa to obtain a license from local licensing authorities. You can now find specialist online casinos that cater to South African gamers, such as Springbok online casino.
Even if all laws must be followed, one aspect must be clarified: the instructions are for operators. Gamers with a strong desire to travel still have the option of signing up with overseas operators. In truth, online casinos in a few African countries have used this method of operation.
Nigeria is causing a stir.
Nigeria is another major African country that has established a strong online gaming and casino presence in recent years. Land-based casinos, lotteries, wagering activities, and now online and mobile gaming at casinos owned and run by offshore operators are the most popular gaming options in Nigeria. The law in this country is also unsuitable for dealing with online casino games.
In Nigeria, online casino gaming has increased significantly, and cell phone proliferation has also increased cellular casino play. According to a Nigerian information agency report from 2015, more than 60 million Nigerian residents between 18 and 40 spend as much as $9 million each day on betting activities.
There are a handful of casinos that cater specifically to Nigerian gamblers. For example, Bet9ja is an online gambling portal that today offers an online casino and a mobile version, live online casino gaming, virtual games, and a sports eBook.
The Lagos State Lottery Board was one of the first to implement regulations about playing through licenses. Lagos State oversees and licenses lotteries, sports betting, internet casinos, scratch cards, interactive games, land-based casinos, gaming machines, pool betting, and more.
Ghana and Kenya are two more African countries where online casino gambling has grown in popularity. Ghana has its licensing organization, the Gaming Commission of Ghana, which regulates all types of gaming, from land-based casinos and sportsbooks to online casinos.
Kenya, too, has its regulatory organization; in fact, it was founded in 1966 due to the Kenyan Bet Handling and Licensing Board BCLB. The legal standards for online gambling in Kenya are fairly clear; all forms of online gambling must be regulated through the BCLB.
Different African countries have also seen a significant increase in online casino playing over the years. Tanzania generated nearly $291 million in gambling transactions in 2012, a 20% increase over 2011 data, bringing in $10 million for the government. In 2014, Uganda had around 2000 active playing operators.
