Maha Otu, Director of Operations at Betwinner Affiliates, shared insights into the rapid growth of the African gaming sector, the transformative role of AI, and the regulatory hurdles companies face, particularly in Nigeria, while speaking to iGaming AFRIKA, during the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2025.
In a traditionally male-dominated industry, Maha Otu stands tall as a strong voice shaping the future of iGaming in Africa, especially in Nigeria. Maha Otu’s leadership in the African iGaming space is a source of inspiration, especially for women looking to enter the industry. Her presence is not just symbolic, it reflects the rising influence of women leaders in sectors once dominated by men. According to Maha, the African iGaming market is not just growing, it’s evolving rapidly. She noted a visible difference even within the span of a single year.
“If I compare from last year to this year, we can obviously see the difference. It’s bigger, it’s better, it is more recognized,” Maha Otu stated. This growth is a strong indicator of increasing investor interest and consumer engagement across the continent, especially in key markets like Nigeria.
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A key theme at this year’s AGE Lagos conference, was the integration of Artificial Intelligence into gaming and fintech. Maha highlighted how AI is already improving both operations and user experiences at BetWinner. “We use AI every day… For players, it enhances their experience,” she explained. “Especially for players who are new to gaming, it’s easy to ask AI…and for AI to help you.” From customer support to analytics and personalized game recommendations, AI has become a backbone of user engagement and operational efficiency.
Despite the technological advancements and market growth, significant challenges remain, especially around regulation. For companies like Betwinner operating in Nigeria, the legal landscape is currently unstable and unclear. “The major challenge we are experiencing right now is regulatory challenges,” Otu revealed. “There are still grey areas… and we are hoping to get answers to most of our questions.”
The aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling in late 2024 has left operators in limbo, with tax laws and compliance requirements still uncertain. Maha expressed hope that these issues would soon be resolved in a way that supports, rather than stifles, industry growth.
