International gaming company 1xBet continues to court African markets, with the company’s focus increasingly turning to responsible gaming activity.
The online bookmaker has been active in markets like Nigeria for many years, having secured a five-year licence in the West African nation back in 2021.
In 2026, the company continues to see African betting markets as a worthy investment – and it’s not alone in this regard, with Super Group chasing growth in markets like South Africa and Botswana while Kaizen Gaming launched Betano in Ghana earlier this year.
For its part, 1xBet is implementing responsible gaming strategies more and more into its African operations. This week, the company confirmed that it will be participating in the Responsible Gaming Symposium, a forum hosted by Nigerian non-profit Gamble Alert.
The forum will take place at the D’Podium International Event Centre in the city of Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, on 11 June.
“Responsible gaming in Africa cannot simply be transplanted from European templates,” said Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor to 1xBet.
“The mobile-first nature of the market, the role of agents and affiliates, and the specific clinical and community context all require evidence drawn from the market itself.
“The Lagos Symposium is one of the few venues where regulators, clinicians, researchers and operators have that conversation in the same room.”
As African markets continue to grow, it’s inevitable that more and more international companies will look to get in on the opportunities.
Growing economies and improving consumer finances, including disposable income, as well as rising rates of internet access and mobile phone usage, have made Africa increasingly attractive for global operators.
However, 53 of Africa’s economies are still classified as ‘developing’ according to the United Nations. And while progress has been made against poverty, the number of people living on the continent who are estimated to be in extreme poverty remains well in excess of 400 million.
This gives betting operators a lot of social responsibility factors to consider when planning launches in African markets, or expansion if they already have a presence on the continent.
FisayoOke, Chief Executive Officer of Gamble Alert, remarked: “Operator engagement at this level moves the conversation from intent to delivery. We are pleased to have 1xBet at the table as we work to set practical standards for safer gambling in Nigeria and across the wider continent.”