Data compiled by the weekly newspaper Expansão reveals that, in the first quarter of 2026, Angolans wagered Kz 9.3 billion, approximately US$10 million, on land-based betting games, popularly known as “fichas”. Figures from the Gaming Supervision Institute (ISJ) indicate that the average daily amount wagered exceeded Kz 103.1 million.
During the same period, the volume of bets placed on “fichas” increased by 57.5%, compared with Kz 5.9 billion recorded in the first months of 2025. These figures exclude online betting (remote gambling) and wagers placed in casinos (games of chance).
This phenomenon is predominantly concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Luanda, where it has become increasingly concerning due to the social problems it is generating.
Meanwhile, online betting, which has been losing ground, accounted for Kz 408.2 million in wagers during the first quarter. Compared with the same period of the previous year, this represents a sharp decline of 96%, equivalent to a reported decrease of Kz 10.2 million.
Overall, online betting and “fichas” generated a combined gross betting volume of Kz 9.7 billion. A simple annual extrapolation would put the total at approximately Kz 40 billion.
This dramatic collapse in online betting presents a paradox when compared with the global expansion of the betting industry, which continues to attract growing numbers of users, driven by the widespread adoption of digital services, internet connectivity and smartphones.
In Angola, all indications had suggested that the dominance of online betting platforms was merely a matter of time.
