Most Kenyans love trends and don’t hesitate to join a new bandwagon. That’s also true when it comes to the gaming industry. In the early 2000s, punters would place sports bets, mostly on football, in physical shops.
Online sports betting became more popular in the following years due to the affordability of smartphones, the availability of mobile gaming, and strong internet. It has remained the most popular type of gambling in Kenya, but the culture is evolving.
One more interesting trend that’s getting a lot of traction from punters even in 2025 is Aviator betting. Discover more about the evolution of the country’s betting culture below.
Beyond Football Betting
The evolution of the betting culture among punters in Kenya is beyond how they bet. It now goes to what they bet on. Thus, besides moving to online football betting, punters are adding other sports and games to their lists. These include:
- Basketball and rugby
- Tennis and boxing
- Esports and virtual sports
However, among all the sports, football betting still continues to dominate due to its huge fan base.
A New Wave of Crash Games
In addition to diversifying to other sports and casino classics, punters in Kenya are increasingly betting on crash games. These are games that involve a multiplier that increases over time until a sudden “crash” happens. Players must cash out before the crash to win; otherwise, they lose.
The most popular crash game among Kenyan punters in 2025 is Aviator by Spribe. The game features a plane that ascends on a graph and the multiplier increases as it climbs. The player just needs to decide when to cash out.
The simplicity of the game, the thrill, and the user-friendly interface are some of the factors contributing to the popularity of Aviator. Other factors include:
- Simplicity and Speed: Aviator’s rules and strategies are easier to understand compared to sports betting. Even non-football fans can bet on Aviator and complete several rounds in seconds.
- Quick Cash: The potential for quick and high returns is a big factor in the widespread use of Aviator. The country is experiencing tough economic times, with most young people looking for extra income sources, and some see the game as a potential source of quick cash.
- Marketing and Social Media: Aviator fans in Kenya don’t hesitate to share their experiences, both wins and disappointments, via social media platforms, particularly X and TikTok. This influence has contributed to the popularity of the game in the country, even raising the number of online gamblers.
- Accessibility: The availability of mobile platforms and international operators entering the market has made it easier for anyone who wants to bet and has a smartphone to do so on the go.
The Future of Online Gambling in Kenya
From the trends and patterns, it is clear that the punters in Kenya will continue moving away from sports-only betting and classic online casino games to adopting other fast-paced alternatives. The shift to Aviator is more than a trend and shows how the online gaming culture will continue evolving with the entry of international operators, the development of mobile gaming apps, and the advancement in technology.
The number of punters using betting platforms is also expected to increase to 517.1K by 2029. This growth will raise the market volume to about $152.28m.
