Bola Group launches WhatsApp betting platform Chatbet in Africa

Bola Group has unveiled Chatbet, a WhatsApp-native sports betting product it says is the first of its kind in Africa.

Powered by ChatLayer Media Technologies, Chatbet enables players to receive odds and place bets by either sending a message or voice note on WhatsApp.

The platform eliminates the need for app downloads, web browsers or data-intensive betting interfaces.

Chatbet is available across all major sports, with the product designed specifically for the African market.

The launch comes as operators across the continent continue to seek new ways to reach customers in markets where smartphone penetration is growing but data costs remain a significant obstacle. It’s first live market is Zambia, with the plan to roll out in Zimbabwe and Malawi in the future.

Bola Group CEO Hilton Hasson described the launch as a milestone for both the company and the wider African betting industry.

“Our teams have spent six months working on something that has never existed in Africa before,” Hasson said. “WhatsApp is already in everyone’s pocket, data costs make traditional platforms a barrier and sports betting in this market is still massively underserved digitally, and Chatbet solves all three.

“This is a huge step forward for sports betting in Africa.”

Chatbet launched ahead of the World Cup

Hasson added that the timing of the launch ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup was deliberate.

It forms part of Bola Group’s broader customer acquisition strategy and long-term vision for online betting across sub-Saharan Africa.

“The fact that it launches as the World Cup kicks off is no accident,” Hasson continued.

“This is the biggest sporting event on the planet and we are the only operator on this continent where a fan can place a bet via a voice note.”