Bola Group has launched Chatbet, a new sports betting platform that allows customers to place wagers directly through WhatsApp, marking a significant step in the evolution of conversational betting across Africa. The company says the product is the first WhatsApp-native betting solution of its kind on the continent.
Developed in partnership with ChatLayer Media Technologies, Chatbet enables users to receive odds and place bets by sending either text messages or voice notes through WhatsApp. The platform removes the need for dedicated betting apps, web browsers, or data-heavy sportsbook interfaces, aiming to make betting more accessible in markets where mobile data costs remain a challenge.
The service is currently live in Zambia, with expansion plans already in place for Zimbabwe and Malawi. Bola Group operates its Bolabet brand across these markets and views Chatbet as a key part of its long-term digital growth strategy in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the company, the product was designed specifically for African users, where smartphone adoption continues to rise but affordable internet access remains uneven. By leveraging WhatsApp, one of the region’s most widely used communication platforms, the operator hopes to simplify the betting process and reduce barriers to entry for customers.
Bola Group CEO Hilton Hasson said the project was the result of six months of development work. He noted that WhatsApp is already deeply integrated into daily life across many African countries, while traditional betting platforms often require larger data consumption and more complex user journeys.
The timing of the launch also coincides with the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a period expected to drive strong betting activity across the continent. Bola Group believes Chatbet’s voice-note functionality offers a unique experience, allowing customers to place bets through simple conversations rather than navigating conventional sportsbook interfaces.
Chatbet supports betting across major sports and reflects a broader industry trend toward conversational and messaging-based gaming products, particularly in regions where mobile messaging platforms play a central role in digital engagement.