Africa is increasingly recognised as an emerging gaming region, driven by improving connectivity, digital adoption and favourable demographics. However, regulatory maturity varies across the continent, with some markets still developing frameworks while others move towards stronger oversight.

As a starting point, Kenya falls into the latter category, having recently introduced its most comprehensive gambling framework to date, reshaping licensing requirements through higher fees, increased capital requirements and stronger compliance obligations. Meanwhile, South Africa’s proposed 20% gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax on online gambling has raised concerns over its potential impact on the country’s already significant illegal betting market. Lawmakers are also considering tighter advertising controls and stronger enforcement against unlicensed operators. It’s all to play for right now.

Kenya: Inside the country’s most ambitious gambling reforms

Kenya has entered a new era of gambling regulation following the introduction of the Gambling Control Act, 2025. The newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) took over regulatory responsibilities on 30 June 2026, replacing the Betting Control and Licensing Board and marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to oversight. The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations 2026 have introduced stricter licensing requirements for operators. The new framework increases licensing costs, raises minimum capital requirements and expands licensing obligations to suppliers of gambling software, platforms, equipment and testing services. 

Online bookmakers and online casino operators will each pay a licence fee of KES 50m ($387,500), while online lottery operators will pay KES 20m, in addition to application, renewal and annual operating fees. Furthermore, operators have to obtain separate licences for online sports betting and casino products rather than a single hybrid licence. A detailed pre-opening compliance process is now required before operations can begin. The regulations also establish a dedicated licensing regime for companies that provide gambling services exclusively to foreign markets.

One of the cornerstone provisions of the new framework is the requirement for real-time regulatory monitoring of online gambling platforms. Operators must provide the GRA with real-time access through a secure application programming interface (API) and integrate their systems with both the Authority’s Central Monitoring System and the National Gambling Register. The regulations also raise technology and operational requirements, with operators required to strengthen data protection, maintain business continuity measures and store player data locally unless granted regulatory approval for an exemption. 

Player protection measures have also been expanded, requiring operators to implement responsible gambling policies, stronger age verification systems and participate in a national self-exclusion programme. Separately, the Kenyan Government has further proposed allowing family members and other third parties to request gambling exclusions for individuals affected by gambling addiction through the GRA. Finally, operating an online gambling platform without regulatory approval would become a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to KES 1m, imprisonment for up to six months or both. As the new framework takes effect, Kenya is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most tightly regulated gambling markets, with stronger oversight, higher compliance standards and an increased focus on player protection set to shape the industry’s next phase.market.

South Africa: Proposed tax hike meets tougher enforcement

On the other side of the coin, South Africa’s gambling sector – widely regarded as one of Africa’s largest regulated markets – has come under increasing regulatory scrutiny. Rapid market growth has prompted policymakers to push for reforms aimed at strengthening oversight, improving enforcement and addressing concerns around gambling-related harm. Among the most significant proposals is the National Treasury’s plan to introduce a national 20% tax on online gambling GGR, in addition to existing provincial taxes. Treasury says the measure is intended to address the rapid expansion of online gambling and its associated social impacts, while the industry has warned that increasing the tax burden on licensed operators could further strengthen the country’s already sizeable illegal market.

Those concerns have been reinforced by the South African Bookmakers Association (SABA), which estimates that illegal operators account for more than 62% of gambling activity nationwide. The association has backed the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) efforts to block unlicensed offshore gambling websites. However, it argues that while existing legislation prohibits illegal online gambling, regulators lack the enforcement powers needed to tackle the market effectively. Alongside these measures, it was previously reported that lawmakers are considering tighter gambling advertising rules as part of a broader effort to modernise South Africa’s regulatory framework. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these reforms strengthen the regulatory framework or create further challenges for an industry already competing with a substantial illegal market.

NOTE: Just before press time, Kenya’s High Court suspended the new licensing regulations after a legal challenge claimed key licensing requirements, including higher capital thresholds, were introduced without the public consultation required under the Constitution. The ruling puts implementation of the new licensing framework on hold until the court hears the case, scheduled for 21 September.

What is next for Africa?

As African gaming markets continue to mature, regulation, innovation and responsible gambling are becoming central to the industry’s next phase of growth. Across the following pages, Global Gaming Insider explores several key markets in greater depth through insights from industry leaders including Greentube, EvenBet Gaming, Logifuture, Aardvark Technologies, Honoré Gaming, EPIC Global Solutions and Gamble Alert.