Top 5 factors African bettors consider before choosing a betting site in 2025

Online betting has become a big part of the sports culture across Africa. Whether it’s football, basketball or local leagues, more Africans are now able to place bets through their phones because of the increasing internet connectivity. There are so many betting platforms available, so choosing the right one can be difficult. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa have legalised sports betting, so competition among sportsbooks is now very high.

If you search for betting sites in Kenya, you will see how many options come up. But African bettors are not just picking sites randomly. There are certain features and benefits they look for before they trust a betting site with their money. Below, we will take a look at the top 5 factors African bettors are looking at while signing up on a betting site in 2025.

Mobile compatibility and App performance

Most African bettors use mobile phones to place their bets. Data is expensive, and internet speeds are not always fast. Because of this, bettors prefer platforms that have mobile-friendly websites or lightweight apps that load quickly even on basic smartphones.

In 2025, betting companies that have fast and easy-to-use apps will have an advantage. Many bettors now expect features like live betting, fast deposits/withdrawals and push notifications within the app. They also prefer apps that use less data and don’t crash during live matches.

For example, in smaller countries like Uganda and Tanzania, the majority population uses Android phones and not iPhones. So, African bettors would prefer a smooth Android betting app or a quick-loading website.

Local payment options

One of the most important things for African bettors is how easily they can deposit and withdraw money. A betting site can have all the best features, but if the payment process is slow or difficult, people will not use it.

The most trusted betting sites among Africans are the ones that accept local mobile money services. Like in Kenya, services like M-Pesa are essential. In Ghana, it’s MTN Mobile Money. In Nigeria, many prefer bank transfers and fintech apps. Over 50 million customers trust M-Pesa in Africa, as per Vodafone’s website.

Bettors also want fast withdrawals. A delay of even a few hours can lead to frustration. Instant payouts and no hidden fees are basic features that help in building trust.

And, with the rise of digital currencies in some parts of Africa, sites that offer crypto options are becoming more attractive to a small but growing group of bettors.

Bonuses, free bets and loyalty rewards

African bettors are very alert when it comes to bonuses. Whether it’s a welcome offer, free bet, cashback or a loyalty reward – these are big reasons why someone may choose one site over another.

In 2025, competition among betting sites in Africa is fierce. As a result, platforms are offering better promotions to attract users. The most common offer is a 100 per cent bonus on the first deposit. Some sites offer risk-free bets or extra winnings on combo bets.

Over time, punters have also become smarter. They go through all the terms and conditions before accepting a bonus. They look at things like minimum odds, rollover requirements to understand loopholes.

Loyalty programs are also gaining popularity. Some sites now reward regular users with points that can be converted into free bets or gifts. African punters appreciate when their loyalty is noticed and rewarded in any form.

Customer support and local language access

In 2025, more sites will offer 24/7 customer service. This is important because live sports events happen frequently, and problems can occur anytime.

A good betting site needs to have reliable customer support. If a user has an issue, they want quick answers. African bettors prefer sites that offer support via WhatsApp, live chat or toll-free numbers. Email support is not very widely used as English is not commonly used everywhere.

Many African countries are multilingual, so language plays an important role. Swahili, Afrikaans, Arabic and French are the most common languages, along with English. Betting sites that offer support in local languages are more trusted by users.

Even FAQS and help sections that are easy to understand make a big difference. Bettors want to feel that the site is made for them and not just translated from another region.

Licensing, trust and local presence

No matter how good a site looks, if it is not licensed or trustworthy, African bettors will not risk their money. This is especially true in 2025 when awareness around responsible gambling and betting scams has increased.

Bettors now check whether a site is licensed by their country’s gaming authority. Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda have regulated sports betting laws. A licensed site means the platform follows rules, protects customer data and pays out winnings on time.

Trust is also built through good reviews, social media presence and partnerships with local sports teams or celebrities. This shows that they are committed to the local market and not just operating remotely. A strong local image makes users feel safer.