Africa
NSoft on iGaming industry in Africa: Raising the stakes in Africa
The African continent is the future of the global economy in every aspect and the rising star in the iGaming industry.
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under 25 years old by 2050. It is a diverse region offering human and natural resources that have the potential to yield inclusive growth in the area, enabling Africans across the continent to live healthier and more prosperous lives.
“Today, we can proudly say that NSoft has a footprint across the globe with 150+ of customers worldwide. NSoft’s rich experience in retail is certainly an important asset for the African markets due to the popularity of land-based betting operators and preferences of its players,” explains Marko Džoić, NSoft’s Regional Sales Manager for the African market.
Africans are very enthusiastic about sports, and the interest in sports betting as well as online games is fast growing with the expansion of mobile internet connectivity. According to recent research on Africa’s betting market, the sports betting industry was estimated to be worth $ 37 billion in 2018 and could reach near $100 billion during this century. Roughly 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 are involved in active sports betting. On average, these punters spend around 3,000 Naira (about $15) every day on bets.
“Despite the issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, most African countries have managed to boost betting worth even in 2020, and that growth will continue this year since we’ll have more sport events combined with much better access to the internet. We are very optimistic, adds Marko.
Opening new markets in Africa
Africa is the rising star in the iGaming industry and a high-growth market for which the understanding of new technologies is essential for future development. Beyond developing games and applications, NSoft must comply with the regulations, tax policy, and follow security protocols. This varies from country to country. The number of African countries adopting a regulatory framework is on the rise, which is crucial to the industry.
“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa had most of the gambling revenue in the land-based betting business, but due to all of the restrictions caused by lockdowns, now we can clearly see a growth of the online channel. There is an increased number of Africans moving from USSD and SMS betting to standard online betting as we have in markets across Europe and Asia,” stated Marko.
Ethiopia is the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, home to more than 100M people, and it was the next step for NSoft.
Commenting on opening a new market in Ethiopia, Marko adds: “As a result of good market research and recognizing the potential of the Ethiopian market, we signed the first retail agreements in Ethiopia back in September 2019. Since the internet penetration was very low, we focused on the land-based that is supported with our amazing Web-code generated option for boosting retail business. That was the right move to do, and now we see first clients that are going completely online. My colleague Davor Konjevod is leading Ethiopian clients, and currently, we are working on new projects that will definitely establish us there as the market leaders.“
Doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns encouraged NSoft to strengthen its online presence.
Explaining the power of NSoft’s unique retail solutions combined with our online presence, Marko emphasizes: “Today, one year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global level, we have managed to sign new retail deals in Madagascar, Swaziland, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. Hopefully in June, I will be visiting DR Congo to sign new contracts. All of this is the result of dedicated teamwork between our Sales and Development divisions. We’re working on products that are rising stars in Africa – draw-based games like Lucky 6 and our amazing comprehensive Sportsbook software solution, including Pre-Match Betting and Live Betting.
Marko added that many NSoft’s clients aim to transition from retail to other channels during the collaboration.
“We are making that transition possible. I hope to see very soon the first tickets played in the last few African countries where we don’t have our presence now,” Marko concluded.
Stepping up with satellite stream solution
Africa’s low internet speed coverage represents one of the main issues for betting operators around the continent. This has led to NSoft adjusting its products for the satellite stream solution. The fast delivery of its top tier product, draw-based game Lucky Six, through satellite streaming has made this game now available even in locations with low internet speed and poor connection, such as Africa. This solution is an answer to growing customers needs in retail who are facing troubles with an internet connection. The satellite stream is performed via shared channel and with no additional fee for the satellite steam service. Operators’ investment is at a minimum and only requirements are a satellite dish antenna and a receiver.
Plans for the future – converting land-based to mobile
While the African gambling market was dominated by land-based betting operators so far, the number of online players has been growing quickly with the spread of smartphones and mobile data coverage. One of the pillars of NSoft’s constant progress is listening to our clients, which gives us important feedback and helps us make new better products as well as update existing ones to keep our clients and punters satisfied.
Marko adds: “Clients not only give us their opinion on the products, but they also serve as a bond between NSoft and punters. Where there is a market gap, we are here to listen and develop something new. This was the case with our Lightning games – a new category of virtual games offered in our portfolio. NSoft’s most desirable games Lucky Six and Roulette have been totally revamped and adapted for web and mobile usage. They are easy to play, fast as lightning and provide the possibility for players to win big. More and more Africans are discovering the joys of sports betting on the move and they will surely do the same with online casino games.”
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Africa
IBIA and the AIA sign a strategic partnership to strengthen sports betting integrity across Africa
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Protecting African sports and regulated betting operators from match-fixing
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and the African iGaming Alliance (AIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration and promote integrity across Africa’s rapidly developing sports competitions and betting markets. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two associations, each representing regulated betting operators, to support responsible and sustainable sports betting markets across the continent.
Under the terms of the MoU, IBIA will become the AIA’s strategic betting integrity partner, while AIA will act as IBIA’s primary betting policy and regulation partner for Africa. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of information, joint engagement and coordinated policy initiatives aimed at protecting consumers, regulated operators and sports from betting-related match-fixing.
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO of AIA, commented: “Integrity is the foundation of Africa’s betting future. This partnership between the AIA and IBIA represents a decisive step towards ensuring that Africa’s growing betting industry is anchored on trust, transparency, and accountability. As a pan-African industry platform, AIA is committed to working with global integrity leaders like IBIA to harmonise standards, promote responsible gaming, and support regulators in safeguarding markets from manipulation and illicit practices. Together, we can strengthen Africa’s credibility as a world-class, igaming frontier.”
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “Africa represents one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing betting markets in the world. Ensuring that this growth is underpinned by robust sports betting integrity standards and effective regulation is essential. Our partnership with the African iGaming Alliance reinforces our shared commitment to supporting a sustainable, well-regulated African betting industry that safeguards consumers and sporting competitions alike.”
The partnership will enable both organisations to share insights on betting integrity, regulatory developments and policy trends across Africa. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening integrity frameworks for regulated betting operators and to fostering closer cooperation between the associations’ members.
From 2020 to Q3 2025, IBIA reported 131 suspicious betting alerts across African sporting events, primarily involving football (64) and tennis (62).
Backed by over 90 operators and 200 betting brands, IBIA safeguards sport and regulated betting markets through global monitoring, intelligence sharing and stakeholder collaboration. It monitors over 1.5 million sporting events and $300bn in bets each year. Its alerts have contributed to the successful prosecution of numerous match-fixing cases worldwide, reinforcing IBIA’s role as a trusted partner to regulators, sports and policymakers.
The post IBIA and the AIA sign a strategic partnership to strengthen sports betting integrity across Africa appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Massive wins, standout talent and a showdown wrapped up five months of fierce competition across the country.
After months of qualifiers and regional heats at eight Hyprop malls across South Africa, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience reached its electrifying conclusion at Canal Walk Shopping Centre. With hundreds of spectators and players packing the gaming arena, the national finals brought the heat and crowned South Africa’s best in EAFC 25
, Beat Saber, Call of Duty and more.
In the EAFC National Final, Hamza Moosa (17) from Sandton, proved why he’s one of the country’s most exciting young talents. A professional esports player for Goliath Gaming, Moosa outplayed the competition to take top honours. A familiar name on the international stage, he recently represented South Africa at the Esports World Cup qualifier in Saudi Arabia. Hamza left the MTN SHIFT Gaming national finals with prize money of R25000.
Beat Saber fans saw a fast-paced, high-score battle won by Michael Prange (17) from Pretoria and Garsfontein High School. Ranked #2 nationally, Prange is also a two-time Beat Saber World Cup competitor and has helped shape South Africa’s competitive VR rhythm community through coaching, mentorship, and global participation. As the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Beat Saber national champion, Michael won a Gaming PC valued at R50000.
In the schools division, Ridhaa April, 15, from Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, took the EAFC title. A prodigious talent who’s been competing since the age of 12, Ridhaa plays professionally for Goliath Gaming and already holds multiple top finishes, including 1st place at the 2025 ASL.
In the Rocket League school tournament, Curro took top spot, followed by Edgemead High in second place.
Meanwhile, Call of Duty Mobile closed out the finals with serious intensity as returning champions Nixuh held onto their title. The dominant team of Magicz (Raees Ismail), Adnaan (Adnaan Bhamjee), Raz (Rahil Bux) and Enigma (Jameen Essa) walked away with a R30 000 cash prize.
“The atmosphere at this year’s finals was absolutely electric,” said Vanessa Herbst, Marketing Manager at Canal Walk Shopping Centre. “The level of skill on display was unreal, and the crowd brought their energy every day. The bar has been set very high for the 2026 edition.”
The MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience is South Africa’s biggest mall-based gaming tournament, played over five months across Gauteng and the Western Cape. Regional heats were hosted at Rosebank Mall, Clearwater Mall, The Glen, Woodlands, Table Bay Mall, Somerset Mall and Capegate Shopping Centre, with the final week of competition culminating at Canal Walk. The tournament drew thousands of players across all skill levels, offering more than R250 000 in prizes and a platform to compete in front of live audiences.
“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is about bringing high-level competition into public spaces and giving players of all ages the opportunity to compete, connect and grow,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “From pros representing South Africa on global stages to young players discovering their potential, far more than being entertaining, this year highlighted gaming as a space for learning, discipline and community.”
With the 2025 tournament wrapped, planning is already underway for an even bigger return in 2026.
The post South Africa’s Top Gamers Crowned at 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Grand Finals at Canal Walk appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SOFTSWISS, an international technology provider with over 15 years in the iGaming sector, has partnered with South African entities for the Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, reinforcing its commitment to safe, sustainable play in one of its key growth regions. The two-day summit, organised by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, brings together regulators, operators, and experts to advance harm minimisation and industry collaboration.
The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will take place from 13 to 14 November in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will include an awards gala dinner recognising initiatives in safer gambling. The programme spans policy, compliance, innovation, and public education, with sessions on illegal market impacts, regulatory development, and technology’s role in prevention and intervention. A SOFTSWISS representative will join the panel discussion ‘Innovation, Technology, and Responsible Gambling’, which explores emerging risks and mitigation strategies in digital environments.
“Industry partnership is essential to keep responsible gambling and player protection visible, effective, and evidence-based across channels. We greatly value the commitment and partnership of prominent international companies, such as SOFTSWISS, whose support brings expertise and resources to these important initiatives in South Africa,” said Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation.
“South Africa is a priority market for SOFTSWISS, and we are proud to support this summit’s mission to advance safer play through collaboration and technology,” said Miranda Guliashvili, Head of Regional Growth at SOFTSWISS. “We continuously apply responsible gambling best practices in our products to help operators build sustainable, compliant growth.”
Building on this commitment, the SOFTSWISS Anti-Fraud team has delivered measurable results: from January to August 2025, it prevented over 15 million euro in fraudulent transactions, resolved more than 56,000 tasks, and processed 70 player complaints submitted to gaming regulators and forums. As fraud tactics evolve – including attempts to use AI-generated deepfakes during verification – SOFTSWISS is strengthening its tools and processes to help operators maintain a secure, transparent environment.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Deepens Safer Play as Platinum Partner of Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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