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SAZKA Group teams up with Sir Keith Mills in bid for Fourth UK National Lottery Licence

Published

5 years ago

November 3, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

SAZKA Group, Europe’s largest lottery operator, today announced it has appointed Sir Keith Mills as Bid Chair of the UK team for the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition. Sir Keith, a successful entrepreneur whose creative talent conceived the loyalty programmes so ubiquitous today, brings a wealth of experience from his roles across sport, charities, and business. He played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and subsequently, their successful staging. For the past six years he has chaired the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a role he hands over to Lord William Hague next month. He is also Chairman of the Invictus Games, the international adaptive multi-sport event created by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir Keith said, “I am driven by organisations that make a real contribution to society. I chose to team up with Sazka for the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition because I believe the UK National Lottery needs to grow and be engaging if it is to continue to fund the thousands of good causes every year. Our lottery is a national treasure with nearly 26 years of history; however, the landscape has changed immeasurably since it was first launched back in 1994. The challenge now is to ensure the lottery connects with people right across the country, making it fresh and exciting as it once was, bringing new ways that are relevant for today and tomorrow’s generation. I feel passionately that it needs to be restored to the nation’s hearts, especially in these difficult times. I teamed up with Sazka because they have a proven record of taking established lotteries, growing them and evolving them to be relevant for the future. I am cognisant that much has to be done for us to make a winning case in this competition, but I believe that over the course of this process we will be able to demonstrate how Sazka’s expertise coupled with the experienced British team that we are building in the UK will offer the right stewardship for the UKNL for 2023 and beyond.”

As Bid Chairman, Sir Keith will lead a team with world-class bidding and delivery experience, including for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Comic Relief. Sazka has appointed former London 2012 employee, Alastair Ruxton, as the Bid Director, together with British experts in key areas such as Player Protection, Good Causes, Innovation, Digital, Retail and Customer Experience.

Commenting on the agreement, SAZKA Group CEO Robert Chvátal said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sir Keith Mills and have him lead our entry in the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition. We are hugely excited to be participating in this competition and for the chance to take stewardship of the National Lottery, helping the UK to fall back in love with this vital institution. Operating in five different national markets (Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus) has given us an unprecedented level of insight and experience in running lotteries. In addition, we have consistently increased participation and revenues for the lotteries we operate. We want to bring this deep knowledge and customer insight to revitalise the UK National Lottery increasing sales and money raised for good causes, thereby providing a much-needed long-term boost to community, arts, sports and heritage institutions across the UK.”

After submitting the Selection Questionnaire earlier this month, SAZKA Group has been accepted into the competition by the Gambling Commission, the body running the Competition. The team will now review the final bid application documents and continue to assemble a strong consortium capable of submitting a winning bid in 2021.

About Sir Keith Mills
Sir Keith Mills GBE DL is a British business entrepreneur who founded the Air Miles and Nectar customer loyalty programmes and has established numerous businesses, both in the UK and internationally. In September 2003, Sir Keith was appointed International President and CEO of London 2012 established to bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Having won the bid, he established LOCOG to organise the Games, where he was Deputy Chairman alongside Lord Sebastian Coe. In 2007 Sir Keith established an Olympic related charity, International Inspiration, which he chaired, and in 2008 he established a UK charity, Sported, which he funded and chaired for 10 years. In 2014 Sir Keith established, and was Chairman of, the Invictus Games, working with Prince Harry to deliver a new major international sport event for wounded servicemen and women. Sir Keith Chairs the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Invictus Games Foundation. Sir Keith is also a Director and an investor in a number of private companies.
Sir Keith has received numerous awards including: Master Entrepreneur of the Year, Chief Executive of the Year, and the Sports Industry Businessman of the Year, and was knighted by The Queen in 2006 and again in 2013 when he received the Grand Knight Cross for his services to sport.

About SAZKA Group
The SAZKA Group is a national lottery, instant lottery and digital gaming operator, with our trusted brands and industry-leading technology delivering over €17bn in annual sales. Established in 2012, SAZKA Group is already one of Europe’s largest and fastest growing lottery companies and our strong performance across our markets is helping to fund good causes in the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Austria, and Italy.
Since entering the lottery market in 2012, SAZKA Group has quickly expanded from the Czech Republic into four other European markets. SAZKA Group has consistently taken on established lotteries and made them better, while also expanding into new market segments through market-leading technology platforms. The Group’s unique experience of operating in different jurisdictions enables it to adopt a tailored approach to customer experience in each market, helping to increase sales and returns to good causes.
Responsible gaming and funding good causes are at the heart of SAZKA Group’s business and culture. it promotes responsible gaming in all of its markets and is committed to having a positive impact where it operates. From building children’s hospitals in Greece to support for the Czech Olympic Foundation, SAZKA Group has put its business skills to the benefit of the local community.

Betting.za.com

Betting.za.com Publishes its 2026 Guide to Online Betting in South Africa

Published

22 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

bettingza.com-publishes-its-2026-guide-to-online-betting-in-south-africa

Betting.za.com, one of South Africa’s leading resources for legal online betting information, has published its 2026 guide to online betting, aimed at helping local punters navigate licensed bookmakers, understand regulatory requirements, and make more informed betting decisions.

As South Africa’s betting market continues to expand, players are faced with more options than ever—alongside increasing confusion around legality, payments, and withdrawals. Betting.za.com’s updated 2026 hub focuses on a simple principle: online betting in South Africa should only be done through provincially licensed operators that offer transparent terms, secure banking, and responsible gambling tools.

A Legal-First Focus for South African Bettors

At the core of the 2026 update is an emphasis on regulation. Betting.za.com explains that online sports betting and horse racing betting are legal in South Africa when offered by bookmakers licensed by a provincial gambling board. These regulated platforms are required to meet minimum standards around player protection, payments, and responsible gambling.

To reduce misinformation, the site has expanded its Online Gambling Law section, breaking down how South Africa’s betting regulation works, the role of provincial authorities, and what players should check before registering—such as licence details, terms and conditions, and payment safeguards.

What’s New in the 2026 Betting.za.com Update

The 2026 guide is structured around three areas most important to everyday South African bettors.

1) Improved comparisons of licensed bookmakers

Betting.za.com’s updated bookmaker comparison pages focus on South African-facing operators, with each review built around the same practical checklist. Brands covered in the 2026 comparisons include:

Hollywoodbets, highlighted as a well-established local bookmaker with strong horse racing coverage, major sports markets, and regular promotions for South African players.Plus free no deposit bonus offer on sign up.
ZARbet, presented as a locally built bookmaker offering a streamlined betting experience and support for popular payment methods such as Ozow and SiD.
10bet, noted for its broad sports coverage—particularly football—alongside a wide range of pre-match and in-play betting markets.
JabulaBets, positioned as a multi-product platform combining sportsbook, casino-style games, and esports, with frequent promotions and loyalty-style incentives.
Lucky Fish, profiled as a newer option offering a low-commitment welcome experience that combines sports betting with casino-style entertainment.

Each profile covers licensing details, trust signals, available sports and markets, promotions where applicable, local payment options, withdrawal expectations, and key terms players should review—allowing readers to compare bookmakers on substance rather than marketing hype.

2) A clearer “how to bet” guide for new players

The 2026 update strengthens Betting.za.com’s step-by-step walkthrough for first-time bettors. The guide covers the full betting journey, including choosing a licensed site, registering (and completing FICA checks where required), making a deposit, selecting a market, placing a bet, and withdrawing winnings.

To help beginners, the site also explains common betting terminology and formats—such as match results, totals, handicaps, accumulators, and odds—along with how returns are calculated. Practical considerations like minimum odds requirements on promotions, bet settlement rules, and the difference between bonus bets and withdrawable cash are also clearly outlined.

3) Local banking and payout expectations

Betting.za.com’s 2026 hub places strong emphasis on South African-friendly banking options, including EFT, debit and credit cards, and eWallet services such as Ozow and SiD. The guide explains what typically affects withdrawal timelines, including verification checks, banking cut-off times, and first-time withdrawal reviews.

Players are encouraged to review a bookmaker’s banking and payments page before depositing, paying close attention to supported methods, processing windows, and any limits or conditions that may apply.

How Betting.za.com Evaluates Betting Sites

Rather than simply listing operators, Betting.za.com outlines a 10-step review process designed to assess compliance and player experience. Key evaluation areas include:

Provincial licensing and regulation
Site security and transparent terms
Registration and FICA requirements
Support for local banking methods
Promotions and sign-up offers (where applicable)
Betting markets and odds depth
Website and app performance
Customer support responsiveness
Withdrawal speed and reliability
Responsible gambling tools such as limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion

Helping Players Avoid Illegal or High-Risk Platforms

A major theme of the 2026 guide is consumer protection. Betting.za.com highlights the distinction between licensed betting and activities not regulated under South African law. The site notes that while sports and horse racing betting are licensed, online casino-style interactive gambling is not regulated locally, and warns against offshore platforms due to risks such as delayed or frozen withdrawals and limited consumer recourse.

Players are advised to verify provincial licence details, confirm secure payment methods, and look for responsible gambling measures as key trust indicators.

Industry Comment

“South Africans shouldn’t have to guess whether a betting site is legal, or only discover the rules when it’s time to withdraw,” said Dennis Kumar, Chief Editor at Betting.za.com. “Our 2026 focus is clarity—reviewing licensed bookmakers, explaining how betting works in plain language, and helping players bet safely and responsibly.”

The updated 2026 guide, along with bookmaker reviews, betting tutorials, and legal explainers, is now available on Betting.za.com.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Terms and conditions apply.

The post Betting.za.com Publishes its 2026 Guide to Online Betting in South Africa appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Rocket League Major Set for Paris’ La Défense Arena; Tickets On Sale February 12

Published

22 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

rocket-league-major-set-for-paris’-la-defense-arena;-tickets-on-sale-february-12

The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is officially returning to France, with Major 2 of the 2026 season set to take over Paris’ iconic La Défense Arena. Tickets for the live audience days will go on general sale Thursday, February 12.

Running from May 20–24, RLCS Major 2 will bring the world’s best Rocket League teams to the French capital. The final three days of competition will be played live in front of fans at Paris La Défense Arena, the largest indoor arena in Europe, promising a blockbuster esports experience on a massive stage.

France has rapidly cemented its reputation as one of Rocket League’s most passionate strongholds. Last September, the Rocket League World Championship 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion in Lyon, where NRG Esports lifted the trophy in front of nearly 10,000 fans at the LDLC Arena. With 20 elite teams and 60 players representing every major region, the event showcased France’s electric atmosphere and growing influence as a global hub for top-tier Rocket League competition—momentum that now carries straight into Paris.

Following Major 1 in Boston, the world’s top teams will arrive in Paris to battle for a share of the $345,000 prize pool, along with crucial RLCS points that count toward qualification for the Rocket League World Championship later this year.

Tickets go on general sale Thursday, February 12 at 1 AM PT / 10 AM CET, with presale access opening on Wednesday, February 11. Fans can sign up through official Rocket League Esports channels to receive an exclusive presale link.

For full event details and ticket updates, visit the official Rocket League Competitive website.

The post Rocket League Major Set for Paris’ La Défense Arena; Tickets On Sale February 12 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Betting.za.com

Betting.za.com Publishes its 2026 Guide to Online Betting in South Africa

Published

22 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Betting.za.com, South Africa’s leading source for legal online betting information, has released its 2026 update aimed at helping local punters find licensed online betting options, compare reputable bookmakers, and understand what South African online gambling law does (and doesn’t) allow.

With South Africa’s betting market continuing to grow, players face more choice than ever — but also more noise. Betting.za.com’s 2026 hub is built around one simple idea: if you’re betting online, you should be doing it through bookmakers licensed by provincial gambling boards, supported by clear terms, secure payments, and responsible gambling tools.

A Legal-First Approach for Everyday Bettors

Betting.za.com positions its core content around regulated betting, highlighting that online betting is legal in South Africa when the operator is licensed by a provincial board. The site’s updated guidance explains that online sports betting and horse racing betting are legal when done through licensed operators, with clearer safeguards and standards associated with regulated platforms.

The platform also publishes an “Online Gambling Law” guide intended to reduce confusion and misinformation, breaking down how regulation works and what players should check before placing a bet (including licence details and the role of provincial authorities).

What Betting.za.com is Bringing to the Table in 2026

The 2026 update centres on three practical things South African bettors tend to care about most:

1) Better comparisons of licensed bookmakers

As part of the 2026 update, Betting.za.com’s bookmaker comparison pages include dedicated coverage of well-known South African-facing brands. Below are examples of brands covered in the 2026 comparisons, each profiled using the same checklist:

Hollywoodbets is positioned as a trusted local name with especially strong horse racing coverage, alongside major sports markets and regular promotions for South African punters. Plus also free no deposit bonus offer on sign up with hollywoodbets.
ZARbet is presented as a proudly South African bookmaker built around a simple, low-friction betting experience, with support for popular local payment options like Ozow and SiD.
10bet is highlighted for deep coverage across major sports — particularly football — plus a strong range of pre-match and in-play markets and a competitive welcome offer for new customers.
JabulaBets is covered as an all-in-one platform combining sportsbook, online casino and esports, with a heavy emphasis on promotions, tournaments and VIP-style perks for active players.
Lucky Fish is profiled as a newer entrant with a “try it first” style welcome, combining sports and casino-style entertainment and a no-deposit sign-up incentive.

Each operator profile is structured around the same practical checkpoints — licensing and trust signals, key sports and markets, promotions (where relevant), local payment options, withdrawal expectations, and the terms players should read before placing a bet — so readers can compare like-for-like instead of relying on hype.

2) A clearer “how to bet” path for new players

The 2026 update strengthens Betting.za.com’s step-by-step walkthrough for new users: choose a licensed site, register (including potential ID/FICA steps), deposit, pick a sport and market, place a bet, and withdraw. To reduce confusion for first-time punters, the guide also unpacks the betting language that frequently trips people up — covering common bet types and market formats such as match results, totals, handicaps, and accumulators, along with how odds translate into potential returns.

In addition, Betting.za.com highlights practical “first-bet” considerations, including minimum odds requirements on certain promotions, how bet settlement works, and the difference between bonus bets and withdrawable cash. The result is a clearer, more structured starting point designed to help new players move from registration to placing their first wager with fewer surprises.

3) Local banking and payout expectations

Betting.za.com’s 2026 hub highlights South African-friendly deposit routes — including EFT, cards, and eWallet options such as Ozow and SiD — while setting expectations around withdrawals and encouraging players to use trusted, regulated payment methods. The update adds more context around what typically affects payout timelines in real-world use, including verification requirements, banking cut-off times, first-time withdrawal checks, and the policies that can vary between operators.

Betting.za.com also emphasises the importance of reviewing a bookmaker’s banking and payments information before depositing, with a focus on supported methods, typical processing windows, and any common limits or conditions that may apply. By setting out these practical checkpoints in plain language, the guide aims to help players choose deposit and withdrawal methods with greater confidence and fewer friction points.

How Betting.za.com Rates Betting Sites

Rather than simply listing operators, Betting.za.com describes a 10-step evaluation process designed to separate reputable, compliant brands from those that fall short. The checklist includes:

Licensing and regulation
Security (such as SSL encryption) and transparent terms
Ease of registration and FICA process
Support for local banking methods (including SiD, Ozow, and EFT)
Promotions and “no deposit” style offers (where applicable)
Betting markets and odds depth across popular sports
Site/app performance
Customer support responsiveness
Withdrawal speed (with reviewers claiming they confirm payout times)
Responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion

Spotlighting Popular SA Bookmakers and Key Trust Signals

In its “Best Sports Betting Sites in 2026” section, the site presents a short list of featured operators and includes trust markers such as licensing authorities and headline promo information. Examples on the page include operators regulated by bodies such as the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, the Gauteng Gambling Board, and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, depending on the brand.

Helping Punters Avoid Illegal or Risky Options

A major theme of the platform’s legal content is helping players understand the line between regulated betting and activities that South African law does not license. For example, Betting.za.com’s law guide states that while licensed sports betting is legal, online casino real money style “interactive gambling” products are not licensed in South Africa, and it warns against offshore casino sites due to risks such as frozen withdrawals and lack of consumer protection.

It also advises players to check for provincial licence details (often in a site footer or terms), verify secure payment methods, and look for responsible gambling measures as compliance signals.

Comment

“South Africans shouldn’t have to guess whether a betting site is legal, or learn the hard way which rules matter when it’s time to withdraw,” said Dennis Kumar, Chief Editor at Betting.za.com. “In 2026, we’re focused on clarity — reviewing licensed bookmakers, explaining how betting works in plain language, and pointing players to the information that helps them bet safely and responsibly.”

The updated 2026 guide, bookmaker reviews, betting how-tos, and legal explainers are available now on Betting.za.com.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Terms and conditions apply.

About Betting.za.com
Betting.za.com is a South Africa-focused information platform that publishes bookmaker reviews, betting guides, promotions coverage, and educational content designed to help players choose licensed options, understand key terms, and bet responsibly.

The post Betting.za.com Publishes its 2026 Guide to Online Betting in South Africa appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.