Africa
Next Brazil on the Horizon? SOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview
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
EGT showcases African growth strategy at SiGMA Africa 2026
EGT welcomes visitors to its booth 090 at SiGMA Africa 2026, scheduled for March 4-5 in Cape Town. The business will greet guests with an enticing range of products, featuring both popular high achievers and offerings tailored for the regional markets.
The Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment will display its newest Supreme Series of slot cabinets, featuring the S 55 S ST and S 32-32 ST models. Fueled by Exciter IV, they will engage players in an enchanting gaming experience through their HD 4K screens, providing breathtaking visuals and fluid interaction. With striking design, exceptional performance, and cutting-edge features, these two models are sure to be among the new arrivals that will generate the most excitement.
The Supreme cabinets will feature Supreme Selection multigames: Jackpot Supreme Purple Selection, Supreme Buy Bonus Prize Selection, and Supreme Green Selection. The mixes will showcase a new combination of well-known titles from the company’s collection alongside innovative products with great promise.
In addition to the popular Bell Link, the successful jackpot Bell Link Boost will also be showcased, making its debut to local gaming audiences with the Bell Link Boost 2 mix. Featuring 8 intriguing titles across various themes along with the renowned 4-level jackpot, this multigame will turn each moment into an opportunity to win big.
Participants at the event will have the opportunity to sample the popular Big 5 Collection Lion blend, crafted specifically for the South African market. Located within the well-liked P 24-24 UP cabinet, the 12 titles of the multigame will offer players an exhilarating adventure, with the in-game spin wheel, referred to as the Thriller Game, enhancing the gaming experience even more.
The well-established G 50 C ST, G 27-27 ST and G 32-32 ST cabinets and the Gold General HD multigame will complement EGT’s slot selection for the exhibition.
EGT Digital will also demonstrate its portfolio of online gaming solutions, including the proprietary iGaming platform X-Nave, as well as a vast array of casino games.
Nadia Popova, Chief Revenue Officer and VP Sales & Marketing at EGT, said: “Africa continues to demonstrate strong growth potential and increasing sophistication across regulated markets. Our presence at SiGMA Africa reflects our commitment to the region and our focus on delivering solutions that combine performance, flexibility, and local relevance. We are dedicated to creating long-term value for our partners while strengthening our footprint across the continent.”
The post EGT showcases African growth strategy at SiGMA Africa 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
Gaming Realms Makes South African Debut in Partnership with Hollywoodbets
Gaming Realms, a top supplier of mobile-centric gaming content, has expanded its global presence following its entry into South Africa with prominent operator Hollywoodbets.
Gaming Realms’ varied collection of Slingo games is now accessible to local gamers, featuring titles created through the provider’s distinctive IP and brand collaborations, including Slingo Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania, Slingo Sweet Bonanza, and Slingo Xxxtreme.
Hollywoodbets ranks among South Africa’s biggest betting and gaming brands, featuring both physical and online operations, along with a loyal customer base. The collaboration with Gaming Realms was executed via Hollywoodbets’ regional aggregation partner Light & Wonder.
The collaboration signifies Gaming Realms’ initial venture into the African market, following other recent market entries that have greatly expanded the company’s global presence. The firm is currently operational in more than 30 regulated markets and intends to grow further in 2026, including in Africa.
Gareth Scott, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Realms, said: “Adding new regulated markets is imperative as we continue to cement our position as a leading supplier of unique and engaging content.
“Entering South Africa together with such a prominent partner as Hollywoodbets is a significant signal of intent and we have great ambitions to make the African region a key focus for Gaming Realms, as it offers great potential and an opportunity to reach completely new audiences.”
Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, said: “Gaming Realms is a provider that truly brings something unique, and we are excited to be the first operator to introduce Slingo and their wider game portfolio to players in South Africa.
“Their Slingo content appeals to a wide player demographic, blending the best from slots and strategy, and we have already seen it really resonate with our customers.”
The post Gaming Realms Makes South African Debut in Partnership with Hollywoodbets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
Groove Targets Africa’s iGaming Boom at SiGMA Cape Town 2026
Groove Targets Africa’s iGaming Boom at SiGMA Cape Town 2026 , Groove, the defiantly innovative iGaming platform and aggregator, has confirmed its attendance at next week’s SiGMA Africa Summit in Cape Town, signalling the company’s intent to establish a strong presence in the world’s fastest-growing iGaming market.
Africa’s iGaming sector is expanding at unprecedented speed, and Groove is entering not as a spectator, but as a builder, bringing its signature “Unseen Architecture” approach to scalable, compliance-ready aggregation, combined with a commitment to listening before acting.
Leading the company’s presence at the summit will be Yahale Meltzer, Founder and CEO of Groove, whose vision for the continent extends far beyond content delivery.
“Africa is not an emerging market,” Meltzer said. “It is an emerging universe. You feel it in the numbers, the youngest population on earth, mobile engagement that bypasses desktop entirely, fintech leapfrogging traditional banking in ways the West is only beginning to understand. This is not a place where you parachute in with a European playbook and hope it lands. This is a place that demands listening, adaptation, and genuine partnership.”
At Groove, the founding philosophy has always been about rhythm — the pulse that connects operators, providers, and players in sync with seamless iGaming experiences. Africa’s rhythm, Meltzer notes, is distinct.
“It’s mobile-first, payment-adaptive, and hungry for experiences that feel local, not imported. That’s exactly the kind of challenge our architecture was built to solve.”
The structural advantages driving Africa’s iGaming growth are considerable. The median age in multiple key markets is under twenty, smartphone adoption is climbing rapidly, and over ninety percent of iGaming interactions now occur via mobile, bypassing desktop entirely. Fintech integration, through systems like M-Pesa, has brought millions of previously unbanked players into the ecosystem. Regulatory frameworks are also maturing in markets including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, offering licensed operators clearer paths to compliance.
For an aggregator like Groove, whose platform delivers over 15,000 games from 150+ providers via a single API, these conditions represent not just opportunity, but alignment.
Groove’s presence in Cape Town is built around four core objectives. First, forging meaningful operator partnerships. The summit gathers Africa’s most ambitious operators alongside global players seeking regional entry, and Groove will showcase localised content packages, mobile-optimised experiences, and payment-agnostic infrastructure designed for African realities.
Second, deepening regional intelligence. Meltzer emphasises: “The regulatory picture in Africa is not a monolith. What works in Lagos requires adaptation in Nairobi, and something entirely different in Johannesburg. You don’t learn those nuances just from a report, even with Groove Command, our data-driven game matching system. You learn them by sitting in the room with the people who live them.”
Third, offering African operators clear pathways to growth. Fourth, positioning for the long term: attendance at SiGMA Africa is not a checkbox exercise — it signals that Groove views the continent as integral to its global strategy.
“We’re not coming to Cape Town to hand out brochures and fly home,” Meltzer said. “We’re coming to listen, to learn, and to find the partners who see what we see: a region on the cusp of something extraordinary. Groove’s job is to provide the infrastructure and games that turn that ‘something’ into sustainable, thrilling player experiences, whether that’s in Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, or beyond.”
He added: “Africa’s rhythm is rising. We’re here to Groove with it.”
The post Groove Targets Africa’s iGaming Boom at SiGMA Cape Town 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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