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Next Brazil on the Horizon? SOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview

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South Africa’s iGaming market is on a remarkable growth trajectory, set to reach a total revenue of approximately EUR 64.9 million by 2028. SOFTSWISS, a leading iGaming software provider with 15 years of experience, shares the South African market report at no charge.

In light of the recent acquisition of Turfsport, a leading South African provider of wagering solutions, the SOFTSWISS report offers first-hand practical experience. The piece explores peculiarities distinguishing South Africa, including provincial licensing, sports betting, and gaming preferences.

Provincial Licensing

Online gambling in South Africa is governed by nine provincial regulatory bodies which operate under the National Gambling Board’s framework. Each body is responsible for licensing various gambling activities, including online sports betting, in their provinces. Operators must understand the nuances and explore licensing options within each region’s regulatory framework.

Christian Neuberger, CEO at Turfsport, adds: “While national legislation continues prohibiting interactive gaming nationwide, several provincial gaming boards have taken the initiative in recent years to expand fixed odds betting options. This development has significantly enhanced the appeal of online betting, resulting in a sharp increase in iGaming revenue and the generation of gaming taxes.”

Sports Betting as a Major Driver with High Interest in Esports & Fantasy Sports

Online sports betting remains a major driver of the South African iGaming market. In 2024, this sector’s estimated volume is approximately EUR 24.3 million out of ~EUR 51 million expected for the whole iGaming industry. At the same time, sports betting is experiencing a notable shift in player preferences and market dynamics. For example, the horse racing popularity has decreased slightly, with younger audiences favouring other betting options. However, it remains a valued tradition among older generations and those with discretionary spending power. 

Esports betting and fantasy sports are growing segments within the South African market. According to Statista (2021), 51% of South African survey participants are interested in betting on esports, and 39% express interest in playing fantasy sports for money. In this aspect, South Africa outperforms the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, India, Argentina, Mexico and Denmark.

Gaming Preferences

Regarding content preferences, the recent explosive rise of ‘сrash’ games such as Aviator underscores that the South African audience prefers simplicity and instant gratification. However, traditional casino experiences also remain in demand. Operators have responded by adapting conventional online casino game mechanics to comply with existing sports betting regulations. These numbers-style draw games resemble classic casino offerings but adhere to the legal framework as ‘betting events’.

With the increasing mobile internet penetration, more affordable data packages, and widespread smartphone usage, more people in South Africa are turning to mobile gaming. This trend is particularly noteworthy because most of the population may not have regular computer access. Operators should prioritise mobile compatibility and user-friendly interfaces to reach the audience effectively.

Vitali Matsukevich, COO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Sharing the SOFTSWISS market report, we emphasise our focus on the South African iGaming market’s potential. With SOFTSWISS’ expertise in iGaming and Turfsport’s local market knowledge, we are set to effectively address the specific needs and opportunities in South Africa. The insights from this report are instrumental in guiding our strategies and ensuring that our solutions are well-aligned with the evolving landscape of South African iGaming.”

Overall, the SOFTSWISS market report offers a comprehensive overview of iGaming in South Africa, from the historical context of industry development to a detailed player profile and local trends. 

 

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, the Affilka affiliate tracking platform, Sportsbook Platform, and Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

Africa

SOFTSWISS Report: South Africa’s Gambling Revenue to Hit €3.63 Billion by 2025

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, releases a new regulated market overview, ‘iGaming in South Africa 2025’. The report serves as a comprehensive guide to South Africa’s online gambling landscape, offering operators and stakeholders insights into the market’s size, regulatory framework, and emerging trends. 

South Africa’s iGaming sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by digital adoption and evolving player behaviour. While the broader gambling market in South Africa is projected to generate approximately €3.63 billion in gross gambling revenue (GGR) by the end of 2025, betting already dominates, accounting for about 60.5% of the total earnings

Mobile wagering, in particular, now generates the lion’s share of online betting turnover – roughly 81% of bets are placed via smartphones and tablets – a trend fueled by South Africa’s high smartphone penetration and the convenience of on-the-go betting. Together, these factors point to a developed digital betting ecosystem driving the overall gambling industry’s expansion.

“With this SOFTSWISS market report, we highlight our commitment to the dynamic potential of South Africa’s iGaming market. Backed by our global expertise and local insight, SOFTSWISS is well-positioned to address the region’s unique needs and opportunities. These insights will help shape our strategy and ensure our solutions stay aligned with the evolving South African iGaming landscape,” said Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Commercial Officer at SOFTSWISS.

The ‘iGaming in South Africa’ report also highlights the complex regulatory landscape that operators must navigate. Gambling in South Africa is governed by both the National Gambling Board and nine provincial licensing authorities, each with its own rules and requirements. This layered system means companies need careful compliance strategies to enter and operate across different provinces. 

Despite the regulatory fragmentation and challenges such as a 15% VAT on betting transactions, South Africa remains highly attractive to local and international investors. The report notes that trends in player engagement are reshaping the market: operators are increasingly incorporating gamification and social play elements to appeal to younger, digital-savvy bettors. 

Popular casino-style games are introduced in fixed-odds betting formats to comply with current laws, which prohibit traditional online casinos nationally. These innovative adaptations – for example, number-based games and ‘crash’ games presented as sports wagers – allow players to enjoy casino-like content within the legal betting framework, reflecting a creative industry response to regulatory constraints.

This new market analysis follows SOFTSWISS’ recent expansion in South Africa. Earlier in June, the company made its first major public appearance in the country in the tech field as a partner of Africa Tech Week 2025 in Cape Town. At the event, SOFTSWISS showcased its technology solutions and shared insights on digital resilience and innovation in African markets.

 

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 30,000 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 counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Report: South Africa’s Gambling Revenue to Hit €3.63 Billion by 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Booming Games Teams Up With Hollywoodbets as Activation Partner for the Iconic Hollywoodbets Durban July

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Booming Games, a leading provider of premium gaming content, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with prominent operator Hollywoodbets for the upcoming Hollywoodbets Durban July, taking place on 5 July 2025 in Durban, South Africa. Together, the companies will collaborate as activation partners on the course, showcasing their shared commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment.

The race day widely celebrated as Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing and Social Event, draws tens of thousands of racing enthusiasts, celebrities, and industry leaders each year to the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and action-packed horse racing the festival has become a staple in South Africa’s sporting calendar, celebrating the culture and heritage of Durban while delivering a premium entertainment experience.

As part of this exciting partnership, Booming Games and Hollywoodbets will host a joint stand at the event, giving attendees the opportunity to try out Booming Games’ latest titles, win exclusive prizes, and experience world-class gaming in a dynamic environment.

“We are excited to partner with Hollywoodbets for this prestigious event that celebrates sport, entertainment, and community,” said Max Niehusen, CEO of Booming Games. “Booming Games has always been committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences, and this collaboration allows us to connect with players in a vibrant setting while showcasing our innovative portfolio.”

Solomon Godwin, Head of Africa at Booming Games, added: “Durban Horse Racing is more than a sporting event; it’s a cultural celebration in Africa, and we are proud to be part of it alongside Hollywoodbets. This partnership underscores our commitment to the African market as we continue to expand our footprint on the continent.”

Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Booming Games as a partner for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. As South Africa’s leading sports betting operator, we value partnerships that enhance our customer experience and bring fresh, engaging content to our audience. This collaboration aligns with our mission of innovation and entertainment while celebrating the spirit of racing in our home city.”

The post Booming Games Teams Up With Hollywoodbets as Activation Partner for the Iconic Hollywoodbets Durban July appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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DRC Signs MoU for Public-Private Partnership with Burundi’s East African General Trade Company

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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Sports and Leisure announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a public-private partnership with Burundi’s East African General Trade Company (EAGT). This partnership aims to modernise the oversight of the gambling and sports betting sector, a rapidly expanding field in the country.

According to the Ministry, EAGT will implement a centralised digital monitoring system. This system will connect operators’ platforms to transmit real-time reports to the Congolese state. The initiative seeks to bolster sector transparency, enhance tax collection (especially the 10% tax on bettors’ winnings) and combat tax fraud.

While no specific timeline has been set for implementation, a pilot phase is planned for Kinshasa. An interministerial commission will rigorously supervise this pilot to ensure robust oversight by public authorities. EAGT will fully cover the project’s initial funding, with repayment staggered based on generated revenues, thereby avoiding any immediate pressure on state finances.

This project is part of a broader push to regulate the sector. In 2023, during a Council of Ministers meeting, former Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi revealed that 139 illegal operators were active in 2022, with no available data on their revenues. Tax collections that same year reached only one billion Congolese francs, a level deemed very low compared to the sector’s real potential.

Faced with this situation, the government had considered creating a regulatory authority equipped with a digital tracking system. Projections at the time suggested such a reform could generate over $100 million annually (280 billion Congolese francs at the current dollar value), solely from the tax applied to bettors’ stakes.

Burundi offers a successful example. In June 2024, N-Soft introduced a similar system there. According to the Director General of Burundi’s National Lottery, this system led to a dramatic 552% increase in the sector’s tax revenues.

The post DRC Signs MoU for Public-Private Partnership with Burundi’s East African General Trade Company appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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