Uganda has emerged as the second most gambling-active country in Africa, according to the GeoPoll 2025 Betting in Africa Report.
The new data highlights a significant surge in betting activity, with 87% of Ugandan respondents admitting they have placed a bet—just behind South Africa, which leads the continent at 90%.
The report, which covers six key African markets—Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania—offers fresh insights into how gambling behavior is evolving across the continent.
Uganda’s strong showing marks a notable rise from previous years and underscores the rapid growth of the betting industry in the country.
Daily Habit
The findings reveal that betting has become a regular activity for many Ugandans.
According to the data:
35% of respondents now bet once a week, up from 32% in the previous year.
22% place bets once a month.
14% gamble daily, while 9% bet more than once a day—indicating a slight decline in high-frequency betting, but still significant engagement overall.
The dominance of mobile betting platforms is a key trend highlighted in the report. In Uganda, as elsewhere in Africa, mobile technology has become the main gateway to gambling. An overwhelming 91% of gamblers across the surveyed countries, including Uganda, said they place their bets via mobile phones.
This trend reflects the broader penetration of smartphones and mobile internet, as well as the convenience offered by mobile-optimized platforms that allow users to gamble on the go.
Football Still King – But Aviator Is Rising
Football remains the sport of choice for Ugandan bettors, with 61% favoring it. However, the report also notes a surge in popularity for Aviator, a fast-paced virtual game that has attracted 19% of gamblers. Basketball lags behind, with just 6% indicating it as their preferred sport to bet on.
Survey Methodology
GeoPoll conducted the survey across six countries using consistent methodologies to allow for year-on-year comparisons. The sample included both employed and unemployed youth and captured data on betting frequency, platform usage, and sports preferences.
Uganda’s position as the second-largest gambling market in Africa reflects broader technological and socio-economic shifts. With mobile phones driving betting habits and new digital games gaining traction, the industry shows no signs of slowing down.
As Uganda’s betting scene continues to expand, stakeholders may need to consider both the economic impact and the social implications of this rising trend.
