Zambia iGaming Market Research Report

Zambia is quickly becoming a regional iGaming hub in Southern Africa, thanks to its young, tech-savvy population and substantial upgrades to its internet infrastructure. Many government initiatives and new regulations in place in the last decade have made the iGaming space attractive for operators and investors. 

In 2025, the urban and peri-urban populations of Zambia, and increasingly widespread ownership of smartphones and mobile internet, make it feel like we’re only at the start of hockey-stick growth in the online gambling sector, particularly for sports betting and online casinos. 

We’ve seen several recent legislative updates, including tax reform and modernization of gambling laws, that show the state’s commitment to making a secure, structured, and lucrative environment for local and foreign participants. These developments offer both exciting opportunities as well as increasing competition in Zambia’s evolving iGaming ecosystem.

Table 1: Key Statistics

Market Overview

Market Size and Growth

• Growth Rate: The Zambian iGaming sector is experiencing 21% growth over 10 years, indicative of strong investment across both digital infrastructure (the i-gaming platform and gaming industry’s website or app), as well as physical terminals, kiosks, and casinos.
• Revenue: The gaming equipment category, which is often a good proxy for the overall gambling and casino market, is expected to reach $7.68 million in 2025, with a projected annual growth of 2.01% from 2025 to 2030. Although we are not able to get hard revenue numbers specifically for iGaming, a number of industry reports specifically discussed the massive, multi-million dollar footprint of gambling iGaming. 
• Active Players: Zambian’s are becoming increasingly active online, with approximately 6.51 million Zambians, or 31.2% of the population, expected to be active online in 2024. Out of this total, the vast majority of people are playing some type of iGaming as they all connect to the internet and gamble on mobile. There are over 90% of users who access gambling through a mobile site or app, demonstrating the need for operators to be mobile-first.

Table 2: Zambia iGaming Market Size and Growth (2025)

Major types of games available

• Sports Betting: Continues to be the leader in terms of both betting volumes and engagement with a strong football culture in Zambia. Football is the most popular sport—locally with Zambian Super League, the English Premier League, NBA basketball, Rugby World Cup, and South African cricket matches resulting in the largest bet volumes— with multiple betting markets including single bets, accumulators, live betting, prop bets, and specialty wagers tied to local tournaments. 
• Casino Games: Local and international operators have provided access to a vast range of games that would typically be offered in a casino setting, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Progressive jackpots and table games are particularly popular among higher-income brackets and the middle class. 
• Lottery: National lotteries are still a part of the overall betting and gaming industry, although not typically growing at the same level as sports betting and casino play. Lottery remains a habit for many in Zambia, especially among older generations and those from rural areas. 
• Emerging Segments: eSports betting and traditional games using cryptocurrency are becoming more relevant propositions in Zambia, with its tech-literate youth.

Table 3: Popular iGaming Game Types in Zambia

Demographics of Players

• Age: Zambia’s player demographics are primarily youthful, with 13.7% of the population aged 18-24 years old, 14.9% aged 25-34 years old, and 10.7% aged 35-44 years old. The demographic of players who engage the most in iGaming activities is 18 to 40 years old, suggesting a vibrant, digital-first market.
• Gender: Online casinos, in particular, are more heavily male-oriented, primarily for people aged 25-40 years old, although sports betting is more gender balanced due to the enthusiasm of people aged 18 to 54 for sports like football. 
• Preferences: Younger adults favor fast-paced mobile betting, live streaming, and games with high return potential. Lottery play is generally favored by older or rural users. The middle class makes up the largest cohort of online sports betting and casino players. Discretionary income also underscores the participation levels of these players. Higher net worth cohorts prefer high-stakes and progressive jackpot casino games.

Regulatory Landscape

This article was updated on 6 May 2026.

The gambling, casino, and lottery market in Zambia operates within a comprehensive regulatory system where regulatory oversight, responsible gambling, and taxation practices take place. The landscape of the market’s regulatory framework is both traditional and new, and is influenced by the increasing role of both public and private sectors.

Overview of Existing Gambling Regulations

The Zambian gambling industry is regulated under a number of statutes.

• The Betting Control Act (Chapter 166) controls betting shops, the operation of bookmakers, and betting operations.
• The Lotteries Act (Chapter 163) controls both state and private lotteries.
• The Pools Act (Chapter 165) controls pool betting.
• The Casino Act (Chapter 157) governs the licensing and inspection of land-based casinos (re-emphasized in early 2026 for stricter compliance).
• The Gaming Machines (Prohibition) Act controls the use and importation of gaming machines.
• The Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 13 of 2015 controls casinos and gambling operations in hospitality facilities.

Land-based gambling is well regulated. While a singular “Online Gambling Act” is still in development, online operators are currently licensed under existing legislation and monitored by appointed officials and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for digital tax compliance.

Licensing Requirements and Regulatory Bodies

Licensing options are available in all major gambling segments, including:

• Sports Betting and Lottery: Licensees must apply to the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the main regulator of these activities, which also oversees licensed online betting platforms.
• Casino Activities: Regulated by the Ministry of Tourism, which oversees premises through site inspections and approves overall operations.
• Ministry of Finance and National Planning: Deals with taxation and the financial aspects of any gambling business.
• Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA): Heavily involved in the collection of digital levies and the enforcement of tax compliance for online platforms.

Details on Taxation and Compliance

Major tax and compliance responsibilities include:

• Sports Betting Licenses: Land-based companies generally face a fee of ZMW 100,000. Online betting licenses start at ZMW 20,000. A security bond of at least ZMW 4,000 is required.
• Casino License: The application fee is approximately ZMW 10,500 through the Ministry of Tourism, though operational fees vary.
• Taxation on Winnings: Effective as of 2025, the withholding tax on winnings from gaming, lottery, and betting has been unified and reduced to 15% (down from previous higher rates).
• Operator Taxation: A 10% excise tax on betting services was implemented in July 2025. Furthermore, operators are subject to corporate income tax (typically 20%–35% depending on the specific sector and non-traditional export status).

Companies must comply with annual audited statements by external auditors, strict recordkeeping, age limits (18+), and AML/KYC protocols. Failure to comply can lead to license suspension or heavy penalties.

Table: Zambia Gambling Regulatory and Taxation Summary (Updated 2026)

Upcoming Changes in Legislation

• Digital Tax Enforcement: The Zambia Revenue Authority is increasingly mandating that all betting firms use the Smart Invoice System to ensure real-time tax reporting.
• Location Limitations: Proposed rules continue to gain traction regarding the restriction of gaming premises near schools and places of worship to protect vulnerable populations.
• Casino Act Oversight: In 2026, there has been a renewed focus on the Casino Act, with inspectors granted broader powers to audit records tied to gross revenue and seize unauthorized equipment.
• Modernization of Online Laws: Legislative efforts are ongoing to close regulatory gaps for mobile gambling, specifically focusing on consumer protection and irresponsible gaming.

Competitive Landscape

Zambia’s iGaming and gambling market is a dynamic and competitive landscape comprising local operators alongside other well-established international brands. As the sector has developed rapidly, it has attracted a variety of market entrants taking advantage of rapid growth in mobile connectivity, regulatory developments, and as well as increasing consumer interest.

Key Market Players

• Local Operators –  Local brands like Mojabet and BolaBet have really made an impact as they have a deep understanding of specific market and cultural preferences, as well as mobile-first products. They create an integrated cultural experience that has been successful for both urban and peri-urban players by fusing traditional formats and distinct digital experiences.
• International Operators –  International brands like Betway, 1xBet, Bet Pawa, 22Bet, and Melbet have capitalized on Zambia’s regulatory stability and the country’s online betting culture to build a good presence in the market. They capture the attention of a diverse player base by using large marketing budgets, including important messaging and digital infrastructure that is more advanced than even some of their EU counterparts.
• Land-based Casinos –  The physical space is expected to thrive in an online world by operating venues under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts in conjunction with online companies, by providing the integrated casino space expected mainly in urban centers like Lusaka.

Table 5: Key Players and Market Structure in Zambia iGaming

Market Share Distribution

Although exact market share information is not readily available, industry knowledge suggests a clear dominance by global operators with well-funded mobile-optimized platforms, which account for the majority of online sports betting and casino revenue. Local operators are able to stay relevant with broad community engagement and targeted specific offers. 

• The largest segment of the market is sports betting, followed by online casinos. 
• Soccer betting is the largest portion of sports betting, with large volumes on both local leagues, such as the Zambian Super League, and international leagues such as the English Premier League. 
• Online casinos have the most growth potential in the niche of wagering on slots and table games, which are played primarily by male gamers aged 25–40.

Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

• Mobile Network Operators: Relationships with telecoms such as MTN and Airtel provide operators with the ability to incorporate mobile money payment options into their platforms seamlessly, as well as to improve the convenience of the deposit and withdrawal functions; this is significant, given Zambia’s largely mobile-based gaming market.
• Technology Partnerships: Many operators are partnered with gaming software developers and payment gateways to enhance platform security, improve live streaming features, and create AI-driven player engagement attributes.
• Instead of traditional marketing campaigns, many operators are focused on sponsorships and partnerships with local sports teams, influencers, and community events to increase brand awareness and credibility with Zambian consumers.

Consumer Trends

Player Behavior and Preferences

Zambian consumers of iGaming are primarily young. With roughly 6.51 million active online users, mobile platforms will continue to be the backbone of the iGaming market. Players in Zambia are very much devoted to sports betting – especially soccer, as well as local leagues like the Zambian Super League, along with the English Premier League – spurring wagering on sports such as basketball, rugby, cricket, and boxing. 

Casino games online are primarily enjoyed by males aged 25 to 40, who look for enjoyment primarily in slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker, and progressive jackpot games. The gaming form is almost exclusively entertainment, but has much wealth potential, operating similarly.

Payment Methods and Technological Trends

Mobile money platforms like MTN and Airtel Money already dominate payments in Zambia, offering effortless and secure options for deposits and withdrawals that are all essential in a market driven by mobile. Items such as cash-out options, bet builders, push notifications, and localized promotions help enhance player retention. Technology trends are AI-powered personalized recommendations, broadband improvements that make live betting seamless, and some interest from the younger, more tech-savvy punters in cryptocurrency.

Social and Cultural Influences on iGaming

Football is a part of Zambia’s culture and structure of society and is a salient part of sports betting behavior. The love for football incorporates a betting dimension, and wagering is part of the tradition, fun, and social experience that adds to the rush of watching football matches. Online gambling is slightly more accepted among urban youth who perceive it as entertainment, but also as an opportunity to earn some additional income. As the sector grows, the level of harm becomes increasingly important for responsible gambling messaging to avoid social issues and develop sustainable player engagement.

Table 6: Consumer Payment and Technology Trends in Zambia

Opportunities & Challenges

Growth Potential for New Entrants

• A young population, expanding internet penetration, and increasing urbanization present great opportunities for continued growth.
• Recent regulatory changes are designed to attract future investment to the industry, and forms of taxation are gradually being developed in ways to support formalizing an industry that has successfully provided revenue to the Chinese government.
• Opportunities created by e-sports and crypto gambling should provide differentiated possibilities for the future of the market.

Operational and Regulatory Challenges

• Licensing fees, taxation (over 40%), and KYC/AML will be a burden for small new entrants and force industry consolidation.
• The absence of dedicated “online gambling” laws contributes to legal vagueness that can lead to enforcement variations from region to region, and inconsistent experiences for some of the international players.

Potential innovations

• The use of artificial intelligence for fraud detection and customer personalization.
• The improved accessibility of mobile broadband in rural markets.
• The development of responsible gambling programs and self-exclusion methods as a means for mitigating social harms.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Zambia’s iGaming market offers great potential for new players and established operators, given its very high mobile penetration and supportive regulatory environment. Key takeaways include established growth patterns given mobile emergence, any regulator will bring additional regulation, and great evidence of demand and opportunities for new, local products.

Strategic Recommendations for Market Entry

1. Focus on mobile-optimized products  
2. Engage with local telecom operators  
3. Follow regulatory trends and stay compliant
4. Focus on player safety and responsible gambling practices, as well as flexible payment options
5. Evaluate emerging opportunities in segments like esports and cryptocurrency betting

Future Outlook for the iGaming Sector in Zambia

If Zambia is able to develop legislative alignment and continues to invest in digital infrastructure, it can develop into a market leader in the African iGaming landscape, which, in turn, will attract opportunities from regional and global operators and investors alike.

Data and Sources:

1. SiGMA World: Comprehensive report on Zambia’s iGaming market size, demographics, popular game types, regulatory environment, and growth potential.
2. iGaming Afrika: Overview of Zambia’s sports betting economy rise with insights into platform popularity, regulatory modernization, and responsible gaming measures.
3. FocusGN: Details on Zambia’s proposed 10% excise duty on betting services as part of the 2025 budget to enhance state revenue and formalize the sector.
4. Statista: Data on Zambia’s gaming equipment market revenue of $7.68M in 2025, with CAGR projections and consumer electronics market context.
5. 6W Research: Industry report on Zambia gaming market trends and growth forecasts from 2025 to 2031.
6. Smartico.ai: Broad iGaming industry insights highlighting revenue growth and expansion trends relevant to Zambia and Africa.
7. AfriGaming Bulletin (LinkedIn): Highlights Zambia as a leader in iGaming growth driven by regulation, mobile access, and cultural acceptance of sports betting.

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