Africa
Why your next million players are in MEA and Turkey, and how to access them
Onur Ergüney – Director of Global Partnerships for Gaming & e-Sports, TPAY MOBILE
COVID 19 has been the catalyst for the biggest transformation to people’s lives in recent history. Little else has brought on such seismic shifts in the way people work, play, communicate and live, since the creation of smartphones themselves.
The fourth industrial revolution has arrived faster than anyone could have predicted, especially in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Turkey. This combined region has a population of over 1.6 billion people, a fast-expanding middle class, and, through the power of mobile technology, is more connected than ever.
A long-standing barrier for scaled-up mobile games distribution in the region – the lack of access to banking infrastructure for subscriptions and the purchasing of games and in-app-purchases (IAPs) – is falling fast. By 2025, 834 million people across MEA will be mobile internet users, and through direct carrier billing (DCB) technology and eMoney wallets, they will have the freedom to spend on gaming like never before.
Untapped opportunity
A relatively untapped marketplace of a billion+ potential players is powering up and set to flip your revenue forecasts upside down if you play your cards right. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for instance, the games industry is currently valued at $4.5 billion according to Frost & Sullivan. That may be just 4% of the global total, but, it is the world’s fastest-growing region, with a year-on-year growth rate of 25%. On a grander scale, MENA makes up 80% of this growth whilst the other 20% is amassed in Sub Saharan Africa. According to one prediction from GSMA, the region will count for 709 million individual SIM connections by 2025.
In other words, Mobile is everything across the MEA and Turkey, and this should be explored as your next frontier of growth. However, you need to know how to access it.
Access is key, and access is different
Accessing these new markets isn’t simply a case of re-branding what has worked in the past. Your games may well be attractive in these new markets but the systems and processes that power them, and importantly, monetise them, won’t be the same. There are different rules and regulations for advertising, for example, and variations on what purchases or transactions do and don’t constitute gambling. Direct debits for app stores or card payments for IAPs are not common practice in these territories. Across the 20+ countries that make up MEA and Turkey, there is a rich tapestry of cultural differences that result in different ways of purchasing digital goods like games.
Establish partnerships to access these players
To turn your players into payers, the best advice I can give is to establish strategic partnerships – find experts on the ground that can work with you. You are no longer just a games publisher, with your partner network you become a FinTech, a games publisher, a games developer and even an evangelist for a new world of mobile gaming. Ecosystems are everything.
The global language is APIs, not Esperanto
Each territory has its quirks and opportunities, and only by having knowledgeable inside help will you be able to truly navigate the differences in approaching sales and distributions of your titles. Understanding the common services in territories is key for traction, an example being that the Middle East has widely adopted DCB (Direct Carrier Billing) for mobile payments and subscriptions in recent years, whereas mobile wallets are the transaction tool of choice in Subsaharan Africa.
Games developers want simple integrations that cover the back-end systems. If you find the team that can provide that, they will keep up with evolving regulations in new territories, keeping your games online. This allows you to do what you do best: making high quality, desirable games.
Games publishers expect great user flows. What makes games more interesting than other e-commerce platforms is that they are live systems. The user makes purchase decisions in real-time, while remaining within the game. This is also what creates complexity when it comes to transactions, but there is an answer. The key is to integrate a seamless payment flow within the game, minimising player disruption.
Find an ecosystem that works across borders. One thing that is global is the API. If you want to successfully break into these emerging markets, you need to build a partnership network that understands the intricacies of these technologies.
Should you wait?
Simply put, no.
Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest-growing market of all for mobile-penetration, it would be an oversight to not properly explore the MEA and Turkey as a key element of future games monetisation for the future.
MEA and Turkey host a relatively untapped market for games publishing and eSports monetisation, not to mention a fast-growing pool of local influencers – now is the time to make inroads into the gaming sector in such markets. It has been said that the early bird catches the worm – this wisdom is just as true today.
The previously non-existent infrastructure required to sell and monetise mobile games has been replaced. Suddenly, the opportunity is there for the taking. Venture into these new territories, and the partnerships you form now will help grow your company and its market share exponentially, by creating opportunities to engage new gamers. Whilst boosting your business into the next 50 years, you have an opportunity to entertain many millions of people who are fast to become your next loyal, player base.
SOFTSWISS, a global expert with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative iGaming solutions, announces its participation in SiGMA Africa, which will take place in Cape Town on 10–12 March 2025.
SOFTSWISS is bringing its award-winning ‘Grab Success’ creative concept to the expo. This time, it will be visually adapted specifically for the African market, celebrating the continent’s rich heritage and the company’s commitment to empowering operators with the best iGaming solutions.
Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, commented: “We’re excited to bring our ‘Grab Success’ concept to Africa, showing our dedication to innovation and delivering market-specific solutions. With the massive potential of this fast-growing market, now is the perfect time to explore fresh iGaming collaborations. We are looking forward to engaging with new partners, building meaningful connections, and demonstrating how SOFTSWISS can help enrich the future of iGaming in South Africa.”
Participation in SiGMA Africa 2025 continues SOFTSWISS’ expansion in the South African market. Last year, the company acquired a majority stake in Turfsport, a leading local provider of multichannel wagering software. This partnership resulted in three new product launches in 2024: the Lotto Software, the Retail Betting Solution, and a Horse Racing module integrated into the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. These new offerings provide operators with flexible and secure tools to enhance their lottery and betting services.
Christian Neuberger, CEO at Turfsport, added: “Our partnership with SOFTSWISS has already shown its tremendous potential through the launch of three new products in 2024. As we continue to work together, we see even bigger opportunities lying ahead. SiGMA Africa will be a great platform to showcase what our collaboration can offer operators in the region.”
Additionally, SOFTSWISS recently released its 2024 iGaming Market Overview: South Africa. The report serves as a comprehensive guide for operators looking to enter this market and understand the region’s unique iGaming landscape.
Visitors are invited to schedule a meeting at Stand 56P to meet the SOFTSWISS team and explore the latest solutions designed for operators in the African iGaming market.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Set to ‘Grab Success’ at SiGMA Africa 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gamanza Games has successfully launched in South Africa’s booming iGaming market, enjoying an impressive debut with 10bet, in partnership with leading local aggregator, Intelligent Gaming. A number of Gamanza Games’s top performing arcade casino games were very well received by players, including the innovative aviation crash game, “Air Racer”, and the Swiss game studio’s fast-paced Plinko game, “Plinkoinko”.
The collaboration with Intelligent Gaming marks Gamanza Games’s fifth regulated market entry and a first step towards wider expansion across the African region. Expectations are high for continued growth in the popularity of arcade casino games in Africa, and Gamanza Games aims to be a driving force of further innovation in the space.
Robert Civill, Chief Commercial Officer of Gamanza said of Gamanza Games’s latest market launch: “We are delighted to activate our partnership with Intelligent Gaming and go-live in what I believe to be one of the industry’s most exciting markets right now. We are really proud to launch with a forward-thinking brand like 10bet as well. We share a vision for evolving the online casino experience, through gamification mechanics, and a wide variety of game choice. Our first game releases have landed really well with local players, so the future is bright for us in South Africa!”
Michelle Henriques Colborne, Marketing VP at 10bet South Africa added, “Our commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment to our 10bet bettors in South Africa continues to grow stronger. We are excited to partner with Gamanza in bringing world class entertainment and look forward to what this partnership will bring for our players.”
The post Gamanza Games goes wild in South Africa with 10bet launch appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
The Top 5 Welcome Bonuses South African Online Casino Players Can Look Forward to in February 2025
South Africa’s online casino industry continues to thrive, boasting an ever-increasing array of high-quality gaming platforms. With many choices available, discerning a quality online casino has never been more crucial. Quality is determined by several factors including game variety, user experience, customer support, security, and especially the value of welcome bonuses offered.
Due to the extensive number of options, using a reputable guide to sift through the wealth of online casinos ensures that players can find the best experiences available. One such critical factor in this selection is the welcome bonus, which significantly enhances the initial gaming experience and boosts players’ chances from their very first deposit.
As the online casino landscape expands, the importance of reliable, knowledgeable guidance in choosing the right casino becomes imperative. www.nodepositcasinos.co.za, a leading portal for online casinos in South Africa, stands out as a prime resource. Our expertise allows us to navigate and recommend top-tier online casinos that promise not only enjoyment but also security and fair play.
This February 2025, www.nodepositcasinos.co.za has carefully selected the top 5 welcome bonuses available to South African players. These bonuses have been chosen based on their value, the quality of the casinos offering them, and their appeal to both new and seasoned players.
Here’s a detailed look at what players can expect:
- Springbok Casino
- Welcome Bonus: R500 Free No Deposit Bonus, Coupon Code: NDC500; R11,500 Welcome Bonus
- Casino Highlights: Springbok Casino, launched in 2012 and licensed by the Government of Curacao, is powered by Realtime Gaming. It is highly popular among South African players for its robust game library including slots, table games, and more. This online gambling site supports gameplay on various devices, offering services in both English and Afrikaans, and all transactions are conveniently listed in ZAR.
- Yebo Casino
- Welcome Bonus: R350 Free No Deposit Bonus, Coupon Code: NEW350; R12,000 Welcome Bonus
- Casino Highlights: Since 2014, Yebo Casino has been a trusted name in the South African market, adorned in the national green and black to resonate with local pride. It offers a comprehensive Realtime Gaming portfolio and exceptional customer service, with a variety of banking options including EasyEFT and cryptocurrencies.
- Punt Casino
- Welcome Bonus: R350 Free No Deposit Bonus, Coupon Code: SAC350; R10,000 Welcome Bonus
- Casino Highlights: Tailored for South African players, Punt Casino offers a vast array of games from Realtime Gaming since its inception in 2017. The site is known for its mobile compatibility and a variety of bonus offers, alongside top-notch security protocols ensuring a safe gaming environment.
- Thunderbolt Casino
- Welcome Bonus: R500 Free No Deposit Bonus, Coupon Code: NDC500; R10,000 Welcome Bonus
- Casino Highlights: With a mascot named Thando the Chameleon, Thunderbolt Casino offers a distinctly South African vibe and a comprehensive suite of real-time gaming titles. Players can enjoy a variety of bonuses and promotions, accessible via both desktop and mobile platforms.
- Silversands Casino
- Welcome Bonus: R400 Free No Deposit Bonus, Coupon Code: NDC400; R10,000 Welcome Bonus
- Casino Highlights: Established in 1999, Silversands Casino stands as one of the oldest and most respected online casinos in South Africa. The platform features a full range of Realtime Gaming slots and table games, with robust security measures in place to ensure a secure and fair gaming experience.
The post The Top 5 Welcome Bonuses South African Online Casino Players Can Look Forward to in February 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Week 8/2025 slot games releases
IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell
Playtech’s Bingo Technology Powers Buzz Bingo’s Launch of Innovative Omni-channel Experience
Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals
BETER names Juliana Querino as LatAm Business Development Manager
Portside Game Assembly: Studios behind Dead Cells, Dungeon Clawler, Dorfromantik, Blasphemous on board and ticket sales for brunch and party launched
Aristocrat Gaming Begins Expanded Launch of NFL-Themed Slot Machine Franchise with 13-Casino Event in Puerto Rico
Bragg Gaming Announces Preliminary Unaudited Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2025 Strategic Initiatives and Guidance
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Announces Re-opening of Sportsbook with New, Innovative Technology and Expanded Betting Markets
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