Overview
It's always nice to have an ally in your corner, isn't it? In every aspect of life, having someone who backs you and does everything to ensure you SUCCEED equates to WINNING. This is what Betting Tips Africa provides for every punter and reader on our site.
At Betting Tips Africa, our goal is to make sure that our audience has all the resources they need to succeed in all their betting endeavours. That is our purpose, and we strive to provide comprehensive and up-to-date reviews to ensure that you get answers to every sports betting-related question and, in return, make informed decisions when it comes to betting.
As much as we care about YOU winning that huge payout, we ensure to help you win your games in a legally licensed and safe betting environment where your activities are in-line with the law. So, we ensure to check the licensing, regulation status and regions where each bookmaker renders their services.
On this page, we examine the top bookmakers that offer their services in Zambia. Here, you will learn some facts about Zambia as well as the region's gambling history. We will also pay close attention to the bonuses, odds, app and website, regulations, licenses, payment methods available, and extras, among others.
Our approach is thorough, and it helps to protect YOUR INTEREST when selecting the best bookie, as well as help you WIN. Hence, are you a seasoned bettor in Zambia, or you are just starting? Read this comprehensive review carefully to get essential information and avoid future errors in your sports betting journey.
History/Facts of Zambia
The Republic of Zambia is a country in the middle of Central, Southern, and East Africa. Evidence of early human settlements dating back to the Stone Age has been found in the area that is now Zambia, indicating that the region has been inhabited for thousands of years.
The Bantu-speaking people first settled in the region in the 4th century AD, engaging in agriculture and trade with other neighbouring communities. Then, the European explorers and traders started arriving in the area in the 19th century, leading to the establishment of various British and Portuguese colonies.
In 1911, Zambia became part of the British colony of Northern Rhodesia, which was under British administration. On 24th of October 1964, Zambia gained independence from the United Kingdom, with Kenneth Kaunda becoming the country's first president.
Officially known as the Republic of Zambia, the country is a landlocked state that is located at the crossroads of Central, Southern, and East Africa, typically considered to be in South-Central or Southern Africa. The capital city of Zambia is Lusaka, situated in the south-central region. Zambia is a democratic republic with a growing economy and a diverse population exceeding 18 million people.
Early Zambian Gambling
Zambia has a rich history of gambling. Traditional forms such as lotteries, dice games, and sports betting that have long been enjoyed by the local population.
However, formalized gambling in the country only took off in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of the first legal casino, Makeni Sun International Casino, in 1969. Since then, many other casinos have sprung up in major cities, offering a diverse array of table games and slot machines.
Sports betting in Zambia has also seen an explosion, with betting shops and online platforms like Betway providing opportunities to wager on various sports events. The introduction of the Zambia National Soccer Pools in the 1970s further amplified the appeal of sports betting in the nation.
In summary, Zambia's gambling laws have roots dating back to pre-independence years, before the country became a republic in 1964. The Lotteries Act and the Betting Control Act were established then and have since undergone several revisions and amendments, remaining in effect today.
Bettors in Zambia are met with exciting betting opportunities, including welcome bonuses, live streaming, and deep betting options. Bookies in Zambia also offer punters the opportunity to gamble on worldwide sports like football, basketball etc.
The Zambian Gambling Laws
You must understand that there is a separation of laws in the Zambian gambling legislation. The Zambian gambling industry is regulated by three fractions of Legislation:
The Zambia Casino Act
One of the crucial gambling laws is the Zambian Casino Act, which was enacted in 1992. This act repealed the previous Casino and Gaming Machines (Prohibition) Act and only allowed licensed companies to conduct casino operations in Zambia.
The State Lotteries Act
The State Lottery Act is a regulatory body in the region that oversees lottery games and pools. Established in the 1950s, the act has undergone several amendments to adapt to changing times. The Lottery Act allows for the operation of state-run lotteries, with profits going toward different funds and state projects.
The Betting Control Act
The most important gambling legislation in Zambia is the Betting Control Act, which is a federal legislation that regulates sports betting. It was enacted in 1958 and established a regulating body known as the ‘Betting Control And Licensing Board’. This body sets forth the country's guidelines for sports betting. Since its initial passage, the law has undergone multiple revisions, with the most recent amendment occurring in 2019.
Conclusively, in Zambia, the gambling industry is regulated by three critical pieces of legislation: the State Lotteries Act, the Casino Act, and the Betting Act. These laws oversee lottery games, casino operations, and sports betting, respectively, by setting the conditions and regulations for operators in each sector.
In Zambia, sports betting is regulated by the Betting Control And Licensing Board (BCLB). This board is saddled with the responsibility of issuing licenses to every online bookmakers in Zambia and regulating betting activities in the country.
Just like other African countries that set age limits to gambling, the Betting Act that establishes the BCLB prohibits Zambians under the age of 18 from participating in any form of gambling in the country.
The Establishment And Duties Of The Betting Control And Licensing Board (BCLB)
Betting companies in Zambia must operate within a licensed environment to offer sports betting and other gaming products to users.
As previously mentioned, the Betting Control And Licensing Board (BCLB) is a body established by the Betting Control Act of 1958 to oversee the issuance of licences while providing oversight on sports betting activities. Punters in Zambia are advised to register and engage solely with bet companies that hold a license from the BCLB.
The duties of the Betting Control And Licensing Board of Zambia include:
- Issuing licences and overseeing gambling activities: The regulating body is responsible for licensing operators who meet standards and ensuring compliance with regulations during gambling activities.
- Monitoring and regulating gambling activities: The regulating body in Zambia oversees and monitors all gambling activities to ensure they are fair and transparent.
- In addition to issuing licenses and regulating gambling activities, the BCLB has the authority to investigate operators, ensure fairness in gaming activities, provide guidelines and instructions to the gambling industry, and also punish erring betting sites.
The gambling laws in Zambia aim to protect new customers, newbies, and veteran bettors. Furthermore, it prevents compulsive gambling and ensures the integrity of the industry. Violations of any gambling law in Zambia can result in fines, imprisonment, or the revocation of a gambling licence.
Other Gambling Regulatory Bodies in Zambia
While explaining the gambling laws in Zambia earlier, we mentioned that the Zambian gambling industry is regulated by three fractions of legislation which are The Zambia Casino Act, The Lottery Act, and The Bet Control Act. However, our focus will be on sports betting.
In Zambia, gaming companies must obtain a valid licence to offer sports betting, and the body that issues permits to sports betting companies in Zambia is the Betting Control And Licensing Board (BCLB).
In terms of multiple licensing bodies, there is no other organisation apart from the Betting Control And Licensing Board with the power to grant licences to any new betting sites in Zambia or mobile betting apps.
Rise of Online Betting in Zambia And General Gambling Activities
Sports betting and general bet activities have been on the rise in Zambia in recent years. With approximately 4.5 million active internet users in Zambia, accounting for 25% of the population of 18 million, there has been a significant 16% increase from 2023, highlighting the rapid growth of online activities in the country.
For many Zambians, online sports betting offers a way to enhance their enjoyment of sports events and potentially serve as a source of extra income.
In addition to sports betting, Zambians are increasingly showing interest in virtual casinos and lottery games. The availability of a wide variety of online gaming options has made it convenient for Zambians to try their luck and win big prizes.
Popular Online Bookmakers in Zambia
What Is The Legal Situation Of Sports Betting In Zambia
In Zambia, sports betting is legally sanctioned and closely monitored by the government. This close monitoring is done to ensure a secure and supervised environment for Zambians to engage in this activity. The legal situation of sports betting in Zambia is as follows:
(i) The Betting Control Act of 1958 is the fundamental law that regulates the sports betting sector in Zambia. This legislation permits the licensing and oversight of betting operators and establishes the Betting Control And Licensing Board as the regulatory authority responsible for monitoring the activities of these operators.
Erring is part of human nature, and that's why the Board's duties include ensuring compliance with the Act, detecting and penalising any illicit gambling practices, and safeguarding the interests of participants in the industry.
(ii) To further safeguard bettors, Zambia included age restrictions for participants and also set measures to promote responsible gambling in the country. Before you can gamble in Zambia, you must be at least 18 years old.
(iii) Penalties for employing minors to manage gambling games in Zambia include a penalty of potential imprisonment for up to two years. In addition, any operator offering gambling without a licence faces a fine of up to 250 penalty units and possible imprisonment for up to two years.
(iv) According to the Taxation Handbook of the Zambia Revenue Authority, gaming operators in the region are required to pay annual fees and taxes, with the amount based on their quarterly earnings.
(v) Players from Zambia are not exempted from taxation as they must also pay a 20 percent tax on their winnings.
Odds And Their Importance To Zambian Punters
In countries, including Zambia, where gambling takes place, odds are an essential aspect of sports betting and gambling in general. The odds determine the potential payout that a bettor can receive if their bet is successful. The simple arithmetic of odds calculation is the higher the odds, the higher the potential payout, and vice versa. So, understanding how odds work and how to interpret them is crucial for successful betting.
Odds are represented in different formats, but the most popularly used in Africa is the Decimal odds. An example of a decimal odd is 2.00 which means you could win two times your bet.
Another representation of odds is Fractional odds, which is used in the United Kingdom. These odds are shown as a fraction, like 3/1, with the first part indicating what you could win and the second part representing the bet. There's also American odds, common in America which is also known as the money line. It is usually represented with a plus or minus sign like +200 or -100.
Overall, ignoring the odds is not something you or anyone can afford to do, so follow Betting Tips Africa in our reviews to get detailed information on odds while enhancing YOUR CHANCES of winning.
Best Bookmakers With The Best Odds In Zambia
At Betting Tips Africa, the best betting sites in Zambia are the bookmakers that can consistently provide favourable odds to their users.
One way you can maximise profits is to compare odds from different bookmakers and choose the one that offers the best value. This can make a significant difference in the long run, especially if you are a regular bettor. Many bookmakers offer enticing odds to their customers in Zambia, but it is crucial to understand that their odds vary from time to time depending on factors such as statistics.
To determine the best betting sites with the best odds in Zambia, we suggest you pay utmost attention to the odds margin, also known as the “Vigorish” or “Vig.” You can get the odds margin offered by every bookmaker through our bookmaker reviews. By doing so, your chances of success in sports betting will increase significantly.
Websites And Mobile Betting Apps in Zambia
With over 60% out of the 18 million Zambian population now using mobile phones, gambling online has become the most convenient and popular method of placing bets in the region.
Betting Tips Africa recognizes the importance of having a native betting app for all devices in the modern betting industry. Hence, it is important for betting sites to consider all types of devices and ensure that their platforms are accessible to a wide range of customers.
By focusing on mobile accessibility and providing a seamless user experience, sportsbooks can increase customer loyalty and engagement and make betting a great euphoria for their users.
In this section of our BTA Zambia review, we will outline some key criteria we consider when evaluating mobile apps and websites from gambling companies.
User-friendly Interface
By focusing on simplicity and user-friendliness, a good app or website can enhance the overall gambling experience and keep users coming back for more. A good app or website should have a simple layout, as this will help create a more enjoyable and efficient experience for users, reducing frustration and increasing engagement.
Speed
A fast and efficient platform is crucial for any betting site operating in Zambia. Having a slow or unreliable platform can lead to frustration and missed opportunities. At Betting Tips Africa, we understand the importance of speed, and that's why we rate betting sites that provide a fast, efficient, and seamless experience for their customers.
Safety And Security
Your safety and security are our top priorities at Betting Tips Africa, which is why we will ALWAYS ask you to stick to trusted bookmakers to ensure your information is protected. Avoid using mobile apps that cannot guarantee the safety of your personal, financial, and private data. Bet with peace of mind, knowing your information is safe while gambling on any site.
Simple Registration And Secure Payment
The registration process of sports bookies should be user-friendly and efficient, making it easy for newbies to sign up and start enjoying the services offered by the bookmaker. Bookmakers in Zambia should also ensure that all legal requirements, including age, are met so that the customer can start placing bets without any unnecessary delays.
Additionally, a reliable bookie should have a secure payment system in place to protect customers' personal and financial information when processing a deposit and withdrawal.
Deposit And Withdrawal At Zambia Betting Sites
One of the valuable indicators that heightens a website's reliability is the number of well-known banking/payment methods it accepts.
The more options available, the more likely it is that the site has been thoroughly vetted and approved by respected financial institutions. We deal with financially-trusted betting sites, which is why we do not recommend any Zambian betting site with an obscure, shady, or low number of payment methods.
At Betting Tips Africa, we rate sites that offer support for e-wallets, bank transfers, credit cards, and other popular methods of payment to facilitate transactions. By doing this, we promote sites that offer convenience and peace of mind to gamers, knowing that their funds are secure.
When exploring a gambling site in the country, you can easily find a list of accepted payment providers by scrolling to the bottom of the homepage or checking the account section. Below, we list some popular payment options available to sports bettors in Zambia:
(i) Mobile Money: Mobile money services such as Airtel Money and MTN Mobile Money are popular payment options for sports betting that are accepted in Zambia. You can easily deposit and withdraw funds using your mobile phones, with the assurance that your deposits will be processed quickly within fifteen minutes; you can enjoy your gaming experience without any delays.
However, before you can use this payment method, you must create an account with your preferred mobile money provider and deposit funds into it. Having done this, rest assured that you will enjoy seamless transactions and hassle-free online gambling in Zambia with this method.
(ii) Bank Transfers: Bank transfers are another common payment method for sports betting in the country. This method is a 100% straight-through transaction from your bank to your gambling account. The list of banks that provide this service in Zambia includes well-known banks like Standard Chartered Bank, Absa Bank Zambia, Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco), First National Bank, and Cavmont Bank.
(iii) Online/E-Wallets: Sports betting websites in Zambia widely accept online wallets such as Paypal, Skrill, Neteller, and Ecopayz. You can easily fund your wallets and use the funds to deposit and withdraw from your betting accounts seamlessly.
(iv) Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards like Paysafecard serve as a convenient and secure way to make deposits into your betting account in Zambia. Prepaid cards offer you a straightforward and hassle-free method of making deposits, without the need for linking to your bank account or providing your personal information. Meaning that this added layer of security can give you peace of mind when making transactions online.
(vi) Cash Deposits: Some sports betting operators in Zambia also accept cash deposits at their physical retail locations. All you need to do is visit the nearest outlet to deposit funds into your betting accounts and start placing bets.
What Fees Are Charged By Sports Betting Sites In Zambia?
Our commitment to transparency and fair play at Betting Tips Africa means that you can feel confident with every piece of information we provide to give you a delightful gambling experience.
Providing a trustworthy and reliable service to you is our goal, and that includes being upfront about any potential costs involved in the payment process. You can rest assured that when you use sportsbooks in Zambia, you won't encounter any unexpected fees or surprises when it comes to depositing or withdrawing funds, except for the fees charged by the payment method you choose.
At Betting Tips Africa, our priority is allowing you to immerse yourself in the game without any unnecessary complications. To ensure your betting experience is stress-free and enjoyable, know that we do not endorse any betting platform that imposes transaction fees or hidden charges.
Betting Sites And Their Bonuses in Zambia
Generally, one of the most enticing features online bookmakers adopt to attract YOU is the introduction of interesting bonus offers. Sportsbooks may offer free bets, welcome bonuses, free spins, risk-free bets, cashbacks, and more to entice YOU.
Some offers may appear enticing at first glance but can have hidden restrictions that make it difficult for players to benefit from them. In addition, some online sportsbooks may use bonuses as a way to attract customers to their site but fail to deliver on other important aspects such as customer service or, impose difficult restrictions, wagering requirements, or limiting the range of betting options.
That is why we conduct thorough research to ensure that YOU have relevant information before committing to a particular sportsbook. You may also need to check some of these things out, as bookmakers change conditions periodically. Therefore, before you get enticed with bonuses offered by any bookmaker in Zambia, focus on the following criteria for their bonus offers:
- Simplicity or Complexity of bonus
The simplicity or complexity of any bonus offer provided by a bookie is to be considered. Some bonuses may be straightforward, such as a simple deposit match or free bet, while others may come with more complicated requirements, such as wagering requirements or specific game restrictions.
Ultimately, the simplicity or complexity of a bonus is subjective and can vary from person to person based on their individual understanding. So, it's best if you carefully read and understand the terms and conditions behind a bonus offer before you jump on it.
- Deadline for bonus redemption
This is a crucial aspect you need to keep in mind, as failing to redeem a bonus within the given time frame will result in the forfeiture of the offer. Therefore, you should be proactive in utilising your allotted bonuses promptly to capitalise on the added benefits the bonus offered to YOU provides.
Wagering requirements are conditions placed on bonus funds by sportsbooks that bettors must meet before they can withdraw the bonus or any winnings from it. Wagering requirements are also there to stop bettors from simply registering, claiming the bonus, withdrawing, and walking away. Note that Sportsbooks would go bankrupt if this is allowed.
The requirements commonly involve wagering a certain amount of money, usually expressed as a multiple of the bonus amount, before the bonus funds become eligible for withdrawal. Since many gambling websites in Zambia are from other countries, the bonuses they offer are usually in foreign currencies like Pounds, USD, or Euros.
However, there are some bonuses in Zambian currency, too. Before claiming any bonus, make sure to read the terms and conditions to understand how to convert them into actual money winnings.
Zambian Bet Companies And Their Extras: The Petty Things In Sports Betting
When evaluating the gambling products of a site, one of our primary focuses is on the authenticity and range of its offerings. We have previously outlined things to look out for to discern the legitimacy of a tempting offer.
However, beyond bonuses, the best sportsbooks in Zambia provide exclusive extras that can create a cheerful betting experience for you. Some of these extras include the following:
- A live betting feature, which allows bettors to wager on sports events that have already started.
- A configurator enables bettors to automatically place selected bets by the system with good winning potential.
- Provision of a cash out feature.
- A loyalty program for regular customers, particularly those bettors who wager consistently.
- Live stream, which enables gamers to follow the action live as it unfolds from the app.
Best Betting Sites In Zambia 2024
Zambian gamblers are fortunate to have an extensive list of online bookmakers in the country. However, with so many international sites available, it can be overwhelming to find the best one.
To help you make an informed decision, we have carefully researched and constantly provide updated list of best or top betting sites to ensure they meet high standards of safety and fairness. We also take into account the legal and regulatory status of each site so you can enjoy your gaming experience without any legal challenges.
By using our reliable bookmaker reviews, you can confidently select the right option from the list of popular betting companies and start betting like a pro. All you need to do is trust our guidelines to guide you in making the best decision for your online gambling needs. We cover different aspects of sports betting, including virtual sports, football betting, and lots more. Always check our expert reviews if you are looking for the best Zambia bookmakers or football betting sites.
