Mobile Betting Among African Youth: Insights from GeoPoll’s 2024 Survey

The prevalence of mobile betting among African youth has been a growing concern for researchers and policymakers. GeoPoll’s latest survey, conducted in March 2024, provides valuable insights into the gambling habits of young people in six key African nations: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. This article analyzes the survey findings and contextualizes them within the broader landscape of gambling in Africa.

Methodology

The GeoPoll rapid survey was conducted in March 2024 among 3,070 youth in the six aforementioned countries using the GeoPoll mobile app. The sample comprised 72% males and 28% females, with age groups distributed as follows: 18–24 (40%), 25–34 (46%), and over 35 (14%). It’s important to note that the sample was not fully demographically representative and naturally skewed towards younger people in urban areas.

Key Findings

1. Employment Status

The survey revealed that:

• 38% of respondents are currently employed
• 21.44% reported being unemployed
• 20.15% identified as business owners or self-employed
• 19% indicated they were students
• 2% were unable to work

These findings align with the broader context of youth unemployment in Africa, which has been a persistent challenge. According to the International Labour Organization, youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa was estimated at 14.5% in 2023 [1].

2. Betting Prevalence

• 76.16% of respondents have placed bets, while 23.84% have never engaged in betting
• Kenya leads with 82.81% of respondents having placed bets, followed by South Africa (73.94%) and Ghana (73.03%)

This high prevalence of betting aligns with previous research. A systematic review by Ssewanyana and Bitanihirwe (2018) found that lifetime gambling prevalence among youth in Sub-Saharan Africa ranged from 57% to 73% [2].

Source: https://indicers.com/

3. Gambling Frequency

• 32% of respondents bet approximately once a week
• 20.84% place bets once a month
• 17.76% bet at least once a day
• 15.61% bet more than once a day

The shift towards more frequent betting (compared to the 2022 study) suggests an intensification of gambling behavior. This trend is concerning, as frequent gambling has been associated with higher risks of problem gambling [3].

4. Preferred Betting Type

• Football betting is the most popular, with 76.53% of respondents preferring it
• Casino gambling follows at 9.69%
• Other sports account for 5.14%

The popularity of football betting is consistent with previous research. Ahaibwe et al. (2016) found that sports betting, particularly on football, was the most common form of gambling among youth in Uganda [4].

5. Average Monthly Spend

• 56% of respondents spend below $5 USD per month on betting
• Tanzania had the highest average spend, followed by Uganda and Ghana

While the majority of respondents report low monthly spending, it’s important to consider this in the context of average incomes in these countries. Even small amounts can represent a significant portion of disposable income for many young people in Africa [5].

Discussion

The findings of the GeoPoll 2024 survey highlight the pervasive nature of mobile betting among African youth. The high prevalence of betting, especially in countries like Kenya, raises concerns about the potential for gambling-related harm.

The popularity of football betting aligns with the global appeal of the sport, which boasts an estimated fan base of 3.5 billion people. This popularity, combined with the accessibility of mobile betting platforms, creates a potent environment for the spread of gambling behavior among young people.

The shift towards more frequent betting compared to the 2022 study is particularly worrying. Frequent gambling has been associated with a higher risk of developing gambling problems [3]. This trend underscores the need for effective regulatory measures and public health interventions to mitigate potential harms.

Conclusion

The GeoPoll 2024 survey provides valuable insights into the current state of mobile betting among African youth. The high prevalence of betting, especially on football, coupled with increasing frequency, suggests a need for targeted interventions and policy measures.

Future research should focus on understanding the factors driving these trends and evaluating the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks. Additionally, there is a need for longitudinal studies to track changes in gambling behavior over time and assess the long-term impacts on individuals and communities.

References

1. International Labour Organization. (2024). World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024. Geneva: ILO.
2. Ssewanyana, D., & Bitanihirwe, B. (2018). Problem gambling among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. Frontiers in Public Health, 6, 23.
3. Binde, P., Romild, U., & Volberg, R. A. (2017). Forms of gambling, gambling involvement and problem gambling: evidence from a Swedish population survey. International Gambling Studies, 17(3), 490–507.
4. Ahaibwe, G., Lakuma, C. P., Katunze, M., & Mawejje, J. (2016). Socio economic effects of gambling: Evidence from Kampala City, Uganda. Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC).
5. Anyanwu, J. C., & Erhijakpor, A. E. (2018). Poverty in Africa: A Global Perspective. African Development Review, 30(2), 161–174.