How Mobile Betting Is Changing the Football Culture in Ethiopia

Football in Ethiopia has always been one of the most popular sports. But in recent years, thanks to a booming sports betting industry, it's become even more integral. Part of this change is due to mobile betting, accessibility and a younger generation focusing on sports betting. Sports betting is also legal in the country, but with the addition of digital betting options and mobile accessibility, Ethiopia has become one of the countries that's on the rise in the sports betting world.

Rise of sports betting

Sports betting was legalised in Ethiopia in 2012 under the National Lottery Administration (NLA). As such, there's a solid regulatory base in place. But, online casinos are actually still illegal. Despite this, sports betting in Ethiopia is on the rise, and there are an increasing number of online betting sites that have capitalised on the sports culture and huge football fanbase within the country. It's also important to note that online betting platforms are easy to use, accessible from anywhere, as they have mobile browser versions, and contain a large number of different betting options for players to enjoy. This has actually aided the country as a whole, because sports betting platforms have started contributing to the country's economy via the creation of jobs as well as a source of tax revenue.

Ethiopia's football scene

Football is a hugely popular sport in Ethiopia. The national team is widely followed, and though not always successful, brings together the country when it does play. It's actually part of the nation's identity and a source of pride. It's got a long tradition with the sport too, dating back to 1947. However, despite a lot of passion for the sport, the Ethiopian football team has always been rather limited in what it could achieve due to structural challenges, limited investment, rife corruption and basic development programmes. This has meant that many Ethiopian players leave the country and play elsewhere due to better opportunities. Because of its impact on the country as a whole, football is often used as a way for people and communities to connect with one another. And, any football player within the team is a role model, especially for the younger generations.

Impacts on the football culture

However, when it comes to football and betting, there have been some positive impacts due to the rise of online mobile casinos. Mobile casinos allow Ethiopian players better access to the betting options. As more people have mobile phones and the services to connect are improved, access is increased. This increased access to betting platforms has led to more people watching and engaging in football. With many different betting platforms available, and a range of different betting markets, Ethiopian players can now access bets a whole lot easier. Increasingly, as sports betting sites integrate live betting or in-play options with streaming of live games, players are also able to watch the action unfold more effectively as well. Importantly, new and local Ethiopian betting sites offer speedy apps that allow quick access to the betting options. In fact, this is what's help the industry boom over other factors such as access. With access to more betting markets, the football focus has expanded too. Now, it's not just on the local or national teams, but on the European ones as well. In fact, a lot of the football betting takes place on European teams. Games are broadcast in various venues including cafés and bars, with major betting taking place on the weekends during match days.

Downsides to betting

However, as with everywhere, there is a negative to the increase in gambling activity. For one, Ethiopia has a relatively young average population. While this does mean there are more people of gambling age, there's an increased concern regarding gambling addiction in the younger generation. Now with easy access, it's easy for these younger players to put too much faith into gambling, getting caught up in betting too much. Part of the problem lies in the older gambling regulations that need to be updated. In fact, there needs to be better regulatory requirements in place, including licencing, and a move to comply with international standards and the inclusion of responsible gambling practices. Currently, the Ethiopian gambling market is without such safeguards, which opens up a lot of issues when it comes to online betting.