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Africa Betting Sites

AFCON betting guide: best sites and markets

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AFCON betting turns to East Africa next: the Africa Cup of Nations runs from 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the first edition shared by three host countries. CAF has confirmed 24 teams, qualifiers began in September 2026, and the format explains many of the best bets before a ball is kicked.

How the 24-team tournament works

The 24 finalists are drawn into six groups of four. The top two in each group reach the round of 16, joined by the four best third-placed teams, and from there it is straight knockout through the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Six groups mean 36 group matches before the round of 16.

That third-place route shapes the group stage. Four points from three games is enough for most teams to go through, so a strong side that draws its opener has time to recover. Some final group games also carry little at stake for teams already through, so late team news moves those prices.

Markets and settlement

  • Outright winner: priced long before the draw, and shortening for teams that come through qualifying unbeaten.
  • Group winner and to qualify from the group: a cheaper way to back a team you rate without needing six or seven wins.
  • Top scorer: a striker who takes penalties, on a team expected to go deep.
  • Stage of elimination: useful for host nations whose fans expect a long run.

Match bets settle on 90 minutes plus stoppage time. From the round of 16, a draw goes to extra time and penalties, which count only in to-qualify and outright markets.

In tight groups, the draw and under 2.5 goals deserve a look alongside the match winner. Team news close to kick-off matters, since travel and late call-ups from European clubs change line-ups.

Host nations and legal AFCON betting

Harambee Stars, the Uganda Cranes and Taifa Stars will play in front of home crowds. Bookmakers build home advantage into the price, so a bet on a host is worth comparing at a few licensed sites first.

Punters in a host country should use a locally licensed site:

  • Kenya: the Gambling Regulatory Authority, with 5% excise on each deposit and 5% withheld from winnings.
  • Uganda: the NLGRB, a minimum age of 25 and 15% withheld from net winnings.
  • Tanzania: the Gaming Board of Tanzania.

Our Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania pages list licensed bookmakers with current offers. Steady stakes across a month-long tournament beat piling in on the final, and handicap betting explained shows how to back strong favourites at better odds.