Sports
From France to Africa: How One Analyst Is Rethinking Gambling Comparison in Emerging Markets
An interview with Maxime Lebail, Brand Manager at ChampsBase.com, on regulatory challenges, local trust signals, and why the African iGaming market requires a different approach.
The online gambling industry in Africa is booming. With increasing smartphone penetration, a young population, and evolving regulatory frameworks, markets like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have become prime targets for international operators. But as the sector grows, so does the need for reliable, localised information.
We sat down with Maxime Lebail, Brand Manager at ChampsBase.com, a multilingual gambling comparison platform, to discuss the unique challenges of building trust in emerging markets and why a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.
BusinessPost: ChampsBase is relatively new to the African market. What made you decide to expand here?
Maxime Lebail: Honestly, it started with frustration. When we looked at the gambling comparison space in markets like Nigeria, we found two extremes — either global platforms that barely acknowledged local realities, or local sites with questionable editorial standards. There was a gap for something in between: rigorous, research-driven content that actually speaks to Nigerian players specifically.
The African market isn’t a monolith. A player in Lagos has different needs, different payment habits, different concerns than someone in Nairobi or Johannesburg. We wanted to build something that reflected that.
BP: What does “localisation” actually mean in practice? Is it just about translation?
ML: Translation is maybe five percent of the work. Real localisation means understanding what builds trust in a specific market.
Take Nigeria as an example. Bank transfers and USSD payments matter far more than credit cards. Players want to know if an operator has a local presence, if withdrawals actually work, if customer support understands their issues. These aren’t things you can fake or copy from a European template.
We’ve spent considerable time analysing which operators genuinely serve Nigerian players well — not just who has the flashiest welcome bonus. That research feeds directly into resources like our guide to the best betting sites in Nigeria, which we update regularly based on real user feedback and our own testing.
BP: The regulatory landscape in Africa is fragmented, to say the least. How do you navigate that?
ML: It’s complex, and I won’t pretend otherwise. Nigeria has made significant progress with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, but enforcement remains inconsistent across states. Other markets are even more ambiguous.
Our approach is conservative. We only feature operators that hold valid licences in the jurisdictions they operate in. If the regulatory status is unclear, we flag it explicitly. Players deserve to know the risks.
I think there’s a tendency in this industry to chase growth at any cost, but that creates long-term problems — for players and for the industry’s reputation. We’d rather build slowly and maintain credibility.
BP: You mentioned trust earlier. Gambling comparison sites don’t always have the best reputation. How do you address that scepticism?
ML: By being transparent about how we operate. Yes, we earn commissions when players sign up through our links — that’s the affiliate model, and we don’t hide it. But editorial independence is non-negotiable.
Every review follows the same methodology. We test registration processes, deposit and withdrawal speeds, customer support responsiveness, bonus terms — the boring stuff that actually matters. If an operator performs poorly, we say so, even if they’re a commercial partner.
I’ve been in this industry for over a decade, mostly focused on European markets like Portugal. The operators who succeed long-term are those who treat players fairly. The same principle applies to comparison platforms.
BP: What differences have you noticed between European and African players in terms of behaviour or expectations?
ML: Mobile is everything here. In Portugal or France, desktop still has a significant share. In Nigeria, we’re talking about ninety percent mobile traffic, often on lower-bandwidth connections. That changes how we structure content — shorter paragraphs, faster-loading pages, information hierarchy optimised for small screens.
There’s also a different relationship with sports. Football is universal, but the depth of engagement with local leagues, with the Premier League, with betting as a social activity — it’s intense in ways that European markets have somewhat lost. That passion is exciting, but it also means we have a responsibility to promote responsible gambling practices clearly.
BP: Speaking of responsible gambling, that’s often treated as an afterthought in emerging markets. What’s ChampsBase’s position?
ML: It can’t be an afterthought. We include responsible gambling information in every guide, every review. We explain how self-exclusion works, how to set deposit limits, where to find help if gambling stops being fun.
Is it glamorous content? No. Does it generate clicks? Not really. But it’s the right thing to do, and regulators across Africa are increasingly paying attention to this. Operators and affiliates who ignore responsible gambling now will face problems later.
BP: What’s next for ChampsBase in Africa?
ML: Deeper coverage of more markets — Kenya and South Africa are priorities for this year. We’re also investing in more educational content. Not everyone who visits a comparison site is an experienced bettor. Many are curious newcomers who need guidance on basics: how odds work, how to verify an operator’s licence, how to manage a betting budget.
If we can be the platform that helps someone make informed decisions rather than impulsive ones, we’ve done our job.
Maxime Lebail is the Brand Manager at ChampsBase.com, a multilingual gambling comparison platform covering regulated markets in Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Many Australian players face challenges when credit cards aren’t available for depositing funds into online casino australia platforms. Fortunately, the best online casino australia sites offer numerous alternative payment methods that provide secure and convenient deposit options. When exploring online casino sites, players can utilize PayID, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers to fund their accounts without relying on credit cards.
The online casino australia market has evolved to accommodate players who prefer alternative payment methods. These casinos online platforms recognize that not all players have access to credit cards or prefer not to use them for gaming transactions. The best online casino real money sites now support multiple deposit options that offer faster processing times and enhanced privacy compared to traditional credit card transactions.
SkyCrown
| Feature | Details |
| Welcome Bonus | 300% up to AU$3,000 + 200 free spins |
| Minimum Deposit | A$20 |
| Wagering Requirement | 40x |
| Payment Methods | PayID, E-wallets, Cryptocurrency, Bank Transfers |
| Payout Speed | 24-48 hours |
| Game Selection | 5,000+ pokies and table games |
| License | Curaçao eGaming |
SkyCrown stands out among australian online casino platforms for its comprehensive support of alternative payment methods, making it ideal for players who cannot or prefer not to use credit cards. As shown in the table above, the platform operates under Curaçao eGaming license and offers PayID, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers as primary deposit options. This makes SkyCrown one of the best online casino australia platforms for players seeking flexible payment solutions.
The welcome bonus package detailed in the table includes a 300% match bonus up to AU$3,000 plus 200 free spins, distributed across multiple deposits. The minimum deposit requirement of A$20, as specified in the table, makes it accessible for players with various budget levels. The wagering requirement is set at 40x for bonus funds and free spin winnings, which is competitive within the industry. SkyCrown’s bonus structure is designed to reward players who enjoy both pokies and table games.
Payment processing is efficient, with strong support for PayID and e-wallets as listed in the table above, which are particularly popular among Australian players who prefer not to use credit cards. The platform processes most withdrawal requests within 24-48 hours as indicated in the table, positioning it among reliable casino online australia options. Customer support is available through live chat and email, providing assistance in English to accommodate Australian players. The platform’s mobile optimization ensures seamless gameplay across all devices.
SlotLounge
| Feature | Details |
| Welcome Bonus | 250% up to AU$2,500 + 100 free spins |
| Minimum Deposit | A$25 |
| Wagering Requirement | 35x |
| Payment Methods | PayID, E-wallets, Cryptocurrency, Bank Transfers |
| Payout Speed | Within 24 hours |
| Game Selection | 3,000+ pokies and live dealer games |
| License | Curaçao eGaming |
SlotLounge has built its reputation on providing excellent alternative payment options for Australian players, making it a top choice for those who cannot use credit cards. As detailed in the table above, the platform holds a Curaçao eGaming license and emphasizes PayID, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers as primary deposit methods. This makes SlotLounge one of the best online casino australia platforms for players seeking credit card alternatives.
The welcome bonus package shown in the table offers a 250% match bonus up to AU$2,500 plus 100 free spins for new players. The minimum deposit requirement of A$25, as specified in the table, makes it accessible for players with various budget levels. The wagering requirement is 35x for bonus funds and free spin winnings, which is more favorable than many competitors. SlotLounge’s bonus structure focuses on providing value while maintaining reasonable terms that players can meet.
Payment methods listed in the table include PayID, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers, providing excellent flexibility for Australian players who prefer not to use credit cards. The platform processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours as indicated in the table, making it one of the fastest payout online casino australia options. Customer service operates through live chat and email support, ensuring players receive timely assistance. The platform’s commitment to alternative payment methods extends to its payment processing and customer support systems.
OnlyWins
| Feature | Details |
| Welcome Bonus | 275% up to AU$4,000 + 150 free spins |
| Minimum Deposit | A$30 |
| Wagering Requirement | 40x |
| Payment Methods | PayID, E-wallets, Cryptocurrency, Bank Transfers |
| Payout Speed | 24-48 hours |
| Game Selection | 4,500+ pokies and table games |
| License | Curaçao eGaming |
OnlyWins has established itself as a leading platform for Australian players seeking alternative deposit methods, with strong emphasis on PayID and e-wallet options. As shown in the table above, the platform operates under Curaçao eGaming license and offers PayID, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers as primary payment methods. This makes OnlyWins one of the best casinos for australian platforms for players who cannot or prefer not to use credit cards.
The welcome bonus package displayed in the table includes a 275% match bonus up to AU$4,000 plus 150 free spins across multiple deposits. The minimum deposit requirement is A$30, and the wagering requirement is set at 40x for bonus funds and free spin winnings, as detailed in the table, which is competitive within the industry. OnlyWins regularly updates its game selection to include the latest pokies from top developers, ensuring players always have access to diverse gaming options.
Payment processing shown in the table supports PayID, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers, providing excellent flexibility for Australian players who prefer alternative payment methods. The platform processes most withdrawal requests within 24-48 hours as specified in the table, positioning it among reliable casino australia real money options. Customer support is available 24/7 through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. The platform’s mobile optimization ensures seamless gameplay across all devices, maintaining high-quality graphics and smooth performance.
PayID: The Australian Payment Solution
PayID has become the preferred deposit method for many Australian players who cannot or prefer not to use credit cards. This payment system allows players to deposit funds directly from their bank accounts using their mobile number or email address, making it one of the most convenient options for aussie online casino players. The best online casino australia platforms that support PayID typically process deposits instantly, allowing players to start gaming immediately without waiting for bank transfers to clear.
When using PayID according to business insider website at online casinos australia platforms, players benefit from enhanced security since they don’t need to share credit card information. The payment method connects directly to bank accounts, providing an additional layer of protection. Most legit online casino australia operators that support PayID also offer fast withdrawal processing, typically completing transactions within 24-48 hours. This makes PayID an excellent alternative for players seeking secure and efficient payment solutions without credit cards.
E-wallets: Fast and Secure Alternatives
E-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz provide excellent alternatives to credit cards for Australian casino players. These digital payment solutions allow players to fund their accounts quickly and securely without sharing bank account or credit card details with casino operators. The best online casino australia platforms that support e-wallets typically process deposits instantly, enabling players to start gaming immediately.
E-wallet withdrawals are often faster than traditional bank transfers, with most top australian online casinos processing e-wallet withdrawals within 24 hours. This makes e-wallets particularly attractive for players who value speed and convenience. Additionally, e-wallets provide an extra layer of privacy since players don’t need to share their banking information directly with casino operators. Many safest online casino australia platforms recommend e-wallets as a secure alternative to credit cards.
Cryptocurrency: The Future of Casino Deposits
Cryptocurrency has emerged as a popular alternative to credit cards for Australian casino players, offering enhanced privacy and faster transaction processing. Many best online casino australia platforms now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies as deposit methods. These transactions typically process within minutes, making cryptocurrency one of the fastest deposit options available at online casinos australia platforms.
Cryptocurrency deposits provide additional benefits including lower transaction fees compared to traditional payment methods and enhanced privacy since transactions don’t require sharing personal banking information. The best bitcoin casinos australia platforms have implemented secure cryptocurrency processing systems that protect player funds while ensuring fast and reliable transactions. Players interested in using cryptocurrency should look for casinos online platforms that clearly display their supported cryptocurrencies and processing times.
Bank Transfers: Traditional but Reliable
Bank transfers remain a reliable alternative to credit cards for Australian players, though they typically require longer processing times than other methods. Most casino online australia platforms that support bank transfers process deposits within 1-3 business days, making this option suitable for players who don’t need immediate access to their funds. Bank transfers provide direct connection to bank accounts without requiring credit cards.
While bank transfers may take longer than PayID or e-wallets, they offer the advantage of direct bank-to-bank transactions without intermediary services. Many best casino australia platforms accept bank transfers as a secure deposit method, particularly for larger transactions. Players should verify processing times with their chosen platform, as some top online casino australia sites offer faster bank transfer processing than others.
Choosing the Right Alternative Payment Method
When selecting an alternative payment method for online casino australia platforms, players should consider processing speed, security, and availability. PayID offers the fastest processing for Australian players, typically completing deposits instantly. E-wallets provide excellent balance between speed and security, while cryptocurrency offers enhanced privacy and lower fees. Bank transfers remain reliable for larger transactions despite longer processing times.
Players should verify that their chosen best online casino australia platform supports their preferred alternative payment method before creating an account. Most top online casino australia sites clearly display supported payment methods on their banking pages. It’s also important to check withdrawal processing times, as some methods like PayID and e-wallets typically offer faster withdrawals than bank transfers. The best online casino real money platforms provide detailed information about payment method processing times and any associated fees.
Security Considerations for Alternative Payments
Security remains paramount when using alternative payment methods at online casino australia platforms. Players should ensure that their chosen platform employs advanced encryption technology to protect all financial transactions, regardless of the payment method used. The safest online casino australia platforms display their security certifications prominently and provide clear information about their data protection measures.
When using alternative payment methods, players should verify that their chosen best online casino australia platform holds a valid license from a reputable regulatory authority. Licensed operators must adhere to strict security standards that protect player funds and personal information. Players should also review the platform’s privacy policy to understand how their payment information is stored and protected. The most trusted online casino australia platforms provide transparent information about their security measures and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Australian players who cannot or prefer not to use credit cards have numerous excellent alternatives available at online casino australia platforms. PayID offers instant deposits and is particularly popular among Australian players, while e-wallets provide fast and secure transactions. Cryptocurrency options offer enhanced privacy and lower fees, and bank transfers remain reliable for larger transactions. The best online casino australia platforms support multiple alternative payment methods, ensuring all players can fund their accounts conveniently and securely.
When choosing an alternative payment method, players should consider processing speed, security features, and withdrawal times. The best online casino real money platforms clearly display their supported payment methods and processing times, making it easy for players to select the option that best suits their needs. Remember to verify that your chosen platform holds a valid license and employs strong security measures to protect your financial information. With the right alternative payment method, players can enjoy seamless gaming experiences at top-rated casinos online without relying on credit cards.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has condemned the “unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.
Senegal won the tournament in the Moroccan capital on Sunday night courtesy of a lone goal in the 94th minute of extra-time by Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye, but the talking point was Senegal’s walkout from the field before returning and securing the championship after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco after a 14-minute delay following VAR check.
The penalty was awarded for an adjudged foul by Senegal fullback El Hadji Malick, who tugged Morocco’s Brahim Diaz to the ground while defending a corner five minutes into stoppage time.
The decision was not welcomed by Senegalese coach Page Bouna Thiaw who ordered his players off. However, Senegalese legend Sadio Mane persuaded Senegal to bring the team back onto the field and after their return, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped the weak penalty by Brahim Diaz.
Without clearly alluding the event, CAF strongly condemned “any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.”
It added that it is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.
The defeat marked continuity in Morocco’s poor performance in the tournament, who last won it around 50 years ago, whereas, it solidifies Senegal’s growing potential as it has won twice in the last three editions.
In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Senegal’s actions were “shameful” and do not “honour Africa”.
Also, the President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Mr Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the “ugly scenes” in a post on Instagram.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right”, adding the decisions taken by the match officials must always be respected, “because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk”.
Mr Infantino said what happened “must be condemned and never repeated”, and it is the responsibility of teams and players to set the right example.
“I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s coach Thiaw had his media briefing cancelled after a ruckus broke out in the press room with pro-Moroccan journalists protesting his actions.
In an interview with BeIN Sport, he claimed that he should not have ordered his team off the field following the call.
“We didn’t agree,” he said. “I don’t want to go over all the incidents. I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] – you can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee.
“We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Senegal beat hosts Morocco in extra time to win the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday in a controversial game that saw the West Africans storm off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them in the last minute of play.
Midfielder Pape Gueye netted the only goal of the game in 94th-minute after Morocco’s player Brahim Diaz squandered the chance to win it for the home side by fluffing the last-gasp penalty in normal time following a 14-minute delay.
The game had evened out until a last minute spot-kick was awarded to the hosts, leading Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw to order his players off.
However, former Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane, persuaded them to return and eventually won the tournament.
The penalty was awarded following a VAR check by Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, after Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back, El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Despite the walk out, the penalty stood but upon returning to the pitch, Diaz tried a Panenka-style chip and his weak penalty sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.
Gueye’s powerful shot gave Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou no chance, handing Morocco their first defeat in 27 international games.
Morocco will have to wait to win the coveted trophy which it has not won in almost 50 years with the loss to Senegal.
Senegal will add to its last titles won in the 2021 edition.
Before the award presentation, President of the Confederations of African Football (CAF), Mr Patrice Motsepe, presented the host flag to the joint host of the next edition in 2027 slated for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Morocco won the Fair Play Award, Moroccan and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia Goalkeeper Bounou won the Golden Glove for his exemplary saves and clean sheet records, a sad Diaz won the Golden Boot scoring five goals in the tournament, and an ecstatic Sadio Mane won the Man of the Tournament award.
On Saturday, Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the third-place match after both sides failed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn