A budding industry: the iGaming market in Zambia

Mercy Mutiria
Written by Mercy Mutiria

Zambia has emerged as one of Africas promising gaming markets. A technological boom, favourable demographics and increasing internet penetration are drawing both local and international affiliates. As mobile connectivity grows, regulators and operators aim to capitalise on legal frameworks and serve a diverse player base across urban and rural areas.

Demographic drivers and player preferences

Age distribution in Zambia points to a youthful market:  

1. 13.7% of their population is 18-24 years of age  

2. 14.9% of the population is 25-34 years old  

3. And 10.7% of the population is 35-44 years old

Within this demographic, online 바카라s are mainly played by men between the ages of 25 and 40. They often seek entertainment and relaxation, gravitating toward slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Games with progressive jackpots also rank highly. Motivated by the possibility of big wins, most belong to the middle class, with a small portion from wealthier social strata. On the sports side, soccer, boxing, basketball, rugby, and cricket dominate both retail and online betting.

Expanding mobile networks and internet access have driven a 21% growth in Zambias iGaming industry over the last ten years. These figures underscore how investment in terminals, kiosks, and 바카라 supplies mirrors broader digital trends.

Sports betting is legal, regulated, and supervised by the Ministry of Finance and the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Zambia. provides the legal foundation, with amendments ensuring relevance to online platforms. Operators must obtain a licence, meet transparency standards, satisfy taxation requirements and implement responsible gaming measures. Both local firms and international companies face financial stability checks and anti-fraud audits before receiving approval.

Zambias football culture drives high turnover. The Zambian Super League and the English Premier League attract the most bets, followed by NBA basketball, Rugby World Cup fixtures, and cricket clashes featuring South Africa. During global events, niche sports such as tennis and athletics also see heightened wagering activity.

LinkedIn image of Zambia’s market by Megapari (population)
Image of Zambia’s target audience by Megapari.
LinkedIn image of Zambia’s market by Megapari (market growth)

Betting products and live markets

Zambian platforms offer a full range of sports-betting markets:
I. Single bets C predict the outcome of one event, from match winners to total yellow cards or extra-time possibilities.
II. Accumulator bets C combine multiple selections for higher returns, knowing that one loss voids the entire bet.
III. Live betting C place wagers on ongoing matches via high-quality video streams.
Specialised markets continue to expand, with local operators featuring regional tournaments and unique prop bets. Betting tutorials, now widely available through mobile apps, help newcomers navigate these options.

The role of mobile betting platforms

making mobile platforms the cornerstone of iGaming. Operators build apps that let users place bets, follow live scores, and manage their accounts effortlessly.

In-play live streaming on mobile devices boosts engagement, while features like cash-out options, bet builders, and push notifications integrate local payment methodsincluding mobile moneyto inspire trust. Exclusive mobile-only promotions further drive adoption and reward loyal players.

Despite rapid growth, there are challenges for the Zambian iGaming sector.

  1. Irresponsible gaming- due to Zambias low GDP, unemployment, and other economic challenges, the population may turn to engaging more frequently in gaming activities, leading to stringent regulations.
  2. Poor connectivity- responsible gambling concerns rise with connectivity, particularly in rural areas where there is unstable internet.
  3. Compliance- regulatory adherence can be spotty, especially among smaller operators, especially when it comes to player protection and transparency.

Looking ahead, the industry is set to diversify. Esports betting will cater to younger demographics, while cryptocurrency payments could attract tech-savvy punters. Operators should adopt artificial intelligence for enhanced fraud detection and personalised recommendations. Improved broadband rollout will extend market reach, and ongoing legislative reviews may yield more flexible, favourable regulations that bolster tax revenues.

Zambias iGaming market blends youthful demographics and rising connectivity. With sports betting now legal, a formal licensing framework emerging, and mobile-first platforms driving user uptake, the sector is gearing up for expansion. Implementing robust, responsible gambling safeguards and harmonising regulations will be key to sustainable growth. By revising regulations, leveraging digital currencies, and AI-powered services, Zambia can cement its place as one of Africas booming online gaming landscapes.

When the lights rise over Manila this June, the true game begins. SiGMA Asia gathers the bold and the brilliant, shaping iGamings future. Be there!