Nigeria leads in online gambling regulation as illegal market hits $17.8bn

Nigeria is emerging as a frontrunner in the regulation of online gambling across Africa, a continent where the industry's Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached an estimated $23 billion in 2025. This proactive stance is crucial as the nation grapples with a significant illegal gambling market, reportedly worth $17.8 billion.

The report, described as the first comprehensive assessment of online gambling across all 54 African countries, underscores the rapid growth and evolving landscape of the sector. Nigeria's efforts to establish a regulatory framework aim to bring order to this burgeoning market, protect consumers, and potentially generate revenue.

By taking a leading role in regulation, Nigeria seeks to differentiate itself and set a precedent for other African nations. The focus is not only on capturing the legal market but also on actively combating the pervasive illegal operations that pose risks to both consumers and the economy. This regulatory push is a key development in Africa's digital economy.