Gambling not always straightforward
South Africa, like so many countries around the world, has had a complicated relationship with gambling, from outlawing all types of wagering apart from horse racing to updating the Gambling Act, the creation of The National Gambling Board, and the establishment of lavish casino resorts and hotels to offer gambling to tourists and locals. Then, attempts to outlaw online casino gambling and subsequently regulate and legalize the sector. Truth be told, South Africans love to have a wager, and attempts to control it have historically led to illegal land-based establishments popping up to cater for local demand.
New partnerships are flourishing – Playtech and Hollywoodbets
Online casinos are flourishing and attracting attention from players, software developers, and businesses alike. In January this year, Playtech and Hollywoodbets announced a new dynamic partnership to strengthen both their positions in the South African market. Hollywoodbets -the country’s market-leading online platform- can now offer its customers Playtech’s live casino games and online slots. Playtech’s games, whose titles are frequently shortlisted for South African players by expert reviewers, can be played on both desktop and mobile platforms. Their slot games include titles like Superman Man of Steel, Superman The Movie, and Jackpot Giant.
A milestone in a developing market
This collaboration is a significant milestone in Playtech’s strategy to broaden its reach and is testament to how important the South African market has become in the casino business. Revenue in the online sector is expected to reach around US$ 829 million this year and over US$ 1,000 by 2028. While significantly smaller than the USA’s 23,000 this year, it is still significant and potentially a less crowded marketplace. There is still plenty of room for growth as market penetration is relatively low at just over 5%.
For its part, Hollywoodbets is leveraging Playtech’s reputation as a cutting-edge provider of online gaming solutions and cutting-edge technology. The companies say they have a shared vision for superior gaming experiences in South Africa and beyond. From their joint press release, it could be assumed this is just a first small step.
Be a sport!
However, advances are not only being made in online casino games; the sports betting market is also seeing exciting changes. FSB has partnered strategically with the South African platform SuperSportBet. In fact, SuperSportBet is one of the country’s fastest-growing operators, and FSB will be providing them with casino and sports betting software. The portfolio includes sports betting features designed exclusively for the South African market and integration features to allow for local payment options. So whether it is football, rugby, or horseracing, the odds will be up to date, and the bets will be accessible and secure.
Technology solutions to help players
The partnership will also mean SuperSportBet’s platform will have a new suite of casino products and industry-leading content. FSB has been feted for its Player Account Management solution, allowing players to keep up with their gaming. The features helps them track their registration and stay up to the minute with all the details of their deposits and withdrawals.
Chance to expand
The partnership was launched in January, and both parties hope it will help expand their footprint in the South African market. FSB’s Bet Builder has been included in the deal, and this fully automated product generates a vast selection of bets within individual local sports markets to keep content bang up-to-date and relevant for the benefit of both companies.
Adam Smith, Chief Executive Officer at FSB, said:
“This landmark partnership has been many months in the making and we are very proud to have been chosen as platform partners of SuperSportBet. The trust they have placed in our talent and technology is another important recognition for FSB and has been immensely satisfying. SuperSportBet’s aspirations in South Africa are truly inspiring, and we are delighted to be playing a part in what we all feel will be a captivating growth journey.”
Barrie Swaft at SuperSportBet has talked about bringing fans closer to the action and says the partnership offers his customers a unique sports betting and iGaming experience.
More developments as Hollywoodbets joins up with Light & Wonder
Hollywoodbets has not only announced one new partnership but has also joined forces with Light & Wonder, which offers popular cross-platform content that allows players to choose when and where they want to play the developer’s games. Light & Wonder’s games can be played online, on mobile, and at land-based casinos.
Their games have been particularly successful in South Africa’s land-based casinos and its titles are consistently a month the most popular performers on gaming floors. These games will now be available online, which is seen as a progressive step within the company’s global omni-channel strategy. Their games will join those from other third-party studios, including Fantasma, G Games, Elk Studios, and Big Time Gaming.
James Bustin, Commercial Director at Light & Wonder, said,
“Entering South Africa’s online regulated market is an exciting move for Light & Wonder, allowing us to deliver on our promise of bringing new worlds of play to consumers worldwide. We are excited to have launched our online games that we know South Africans already love playing in land-based casinos and now we look forward to launching even more content from our partner studios in the coming months.”
Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, added,
“We want our players to enjoy the best possible casino experience and this launch with Light & Wonder means we have expanded access to a wide range of highly compelling content within a very potent new market. The initial range of games produced by Light & Wonder is very impressive and this is only the first step. By integrating Light & Wonder’s platform, we are looking forward to adding other third-party studios to our audience.”
Riding the wave
Light & Wonder is not hanging about, and their financial results have showcased phenomenal growth. In quarter 3 of 2023, their income increased threefold for the same period in the previous year—2024 promises to be an exhilarating ride for anyone involved in iGaming in South Africa.
