Africa
Soccabet goes live with QTech Games retail solution in Ghana
Soccabet, the powerhouse Ghanaian operator, has gone live with QTech Games’ retail solution, QTech Hybrid, across over 200 outlets on its nationwide retail estate.
Founded in 2015, Soccabet is a Tier-1 brand in the growing Ghana marketplace, and already a Top 3 digital operator in this territory, thanks to its burgeoning online presence. However, this new retail deal with QTech Games has now confirmed Soccabet as Ghana’s largest retail operator by far, also joining up the retail and digital experience via this agile and forward-thinking software from QTech.
Ekaterina Mayorova, QTech Games’ Head of Region for Africa, said: “It’s an honour to have been chosen by a brand as respected and recognisable as Soccabet to scale their retail operations across Ghana, and also join them up with their significant online presence. At QTech, we put a premium on understanding markets at a hyper-local level, alongside bridging that gap between retail and online channels, to define a gateway to success in this nuanced betting ecosystem. Which is why we’ve created, and continue to refine, QTech Hybrid – our transformative retail solution which speaks to brands which still enjoy a high share of retail business coupled to an agent-based structure.
“It’s just the latest example of our broader effort to elevate the end-user experience by seamlessly marrying online and offline. This trademark ingenuity is also another sign of our commitment to under-served regions in developing products that have a high local demand, wherever you set your scene on the map. This system is already proving a game-changer, revolutionizing the gaming experience for our partners’ players.”
Henrik Sandin, Product Owner of QTech Hybrid, added: “It all started back in the pandemic when retailers were forced to close their shops, and were losing their sources of revenue since they were not allowed to accept patrons. As a result, many operators contacted us to find out how they could continue operating their business by migrating online, and consequently the Hybrid concept was born: keep existing business afloat, while bringing them online and get the best of both worlds in the future.
“Now, six years later, QTech Hybrid has evolved into a product that far exceeds what the retail business was originally doing, thanks to new innovations like cross-channel campaigns. We reduced the importance of the terminal, as you now can use your own device and are not vendor-locked. We update our lobby with on average one new game per day, so there’s always something new for players to discover. Each terminal houses 10,000 games, while income decline due to stagnant games is now a thing of the past. Lowering operational costs and increasing profits make QTech Hybrid a very appealing product for struggling retailers, or those simply looking to extend their reach across multiple platforms, providing the flexibility to operate both land-based and online through the AMS.”
Imad Hawwach, Managing Director of Soccabet, added: “Soccabet is dedicated to corralling the best of market-leading technology and aligning it with the best of Ghanaian culture. And this collaboration with QTech achieves that over the diverse demands of our huge retail estate. They understand that our customers expect the best gaming experience possible, and we believe that this unique Hybrid solution, which also features QTech’s high-quality and diverse portfolio of games, will help us deliver just that across all channels. Their software, allied to a collaborative way of working, has now placed us in pole position to navigate the near-future on both casino and sportsbook, at a consequential moment for the company as we prepare for the FIFA World Cup in June.”
QTech Hybrid equips players across Africa, and other emerging markets where QTech is the leading game aggregator, with a seamless switch from traditional retail to digital and back again. It’s a software service that links QTech Games’ AI-powered casino lobby (a leading game-personalisation engine known as QTech Play) to a land-based (retail) management system and a state-of-the-art integrated AMS (Agent Management System) to manage both retail outlets and agents. This allows operators to scale their brick-and-mortar operation online. QTech Hybrid simplifies transactions by enabling deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay while allowing access to players both in-store and on personal devices. For the player, the result is being able to enjoy all the games and sports they love from the comfort of their own home, or on the move. QTech Hybrid offers a new style of gameplay, allowing players the option to play at physical terminals or on their mobile devices and seamlessly transfer their progress across multiple devices. And for the operator, there is no need for expensive terminals, as QTech Hybrid runs on cost-effective computers/tablets.
In short, It’s ideal for operators looking to extend their reach across multiple platforms, providing the flexibility to operate both land-based and online through the AMS in a multi-channel model which Africa has been crying out for. Ghanaian customers are increasingly calling for betting experiences that are not only functional but also convenient to use, and personalised to their preferred betting proclivities. Consequently, QTech Games and Soccabet have aligned their complementary skills to deliver a coherent and effortless user experience and optimised journey that exports to any environment of channel, alongside a flexible spread of content that is both locally authentic and appealing to the next generation of players. This partnership will also explore new cross-sell opportunities between sportsbook and casino, with next summer’s football World Cup on the horizon, always a key acquisition and retention driver for global sportsbooks, but above all in Africa where soccer dominates. To arrange a QTech Hybrid demo, contact [email protected], or simply email Ekaterina directly to get a tailored proposal for any African region and the best casino games on the market.
Notable benefits of QTech Hybrid for both operators and their players: Players: can now enjoy all the games in the comfort of their own home on mobile, or play at physical terminals in-shop with effortless transferability to other hand-helds. Operators: have no need for expensive terminals; QTech Hybrid runs on cost-effective computers/tablets. QTech Hybrid is ideal for operators looking to extend their reach across multiple platforms, providing the flexibility to operate both land-based and online through the AMS. Seamless Transition Between Channels QTech Hybrid integrates QTech Games’ casino software with terminal hardware, allowing seamless gameplay between mobile and terminal devices. Cost-effective & Versatile QTech Hybrid runs efficiently on affordable computers and tablets, eliminating the need for expensive terminals and enhancing multi-channel offerings for operators. Ultimate Player Freedom QTech Hybrid revolutionizes slot gameplay, allowing players to seamlessly switch and access their games across mobile, desktop, and terminal devices (i.e. any device can be used).
Designed For Operators QTech Hybrid empowers operators to enhance multi-channel customer experiences, providing flexibility to lead the market in both land-based and online gaming sectors. Simplified Cash Interface QTech Hybrid’s cash interface simplifies fund additions, boosting brand trust by allowing easy deposits and withdrawals at venue terminals or computers. Direct Play & Transactions Players can play at the store terminal, deposit money, receive winnings, and transfer games to personal devices instantly. Market-leading performance
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QTech Hybrid fuses in-person and digital elements; located in bars, restaurants, or kiosks
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Instant for on-site transactions, cash in or credit with no additional fees
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Broadens game variety, featuring online games with a physical presence
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Lower operational costs than land-based casinos, slightly higher than online casinos
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Offers promotions and loyalty rewards, combining online and offline benefits
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Customer support blends in-person assistance and digital help, as direct as land-based, combined with comprehensive 24/7 online support
The post Soccabet goes live with QTech Games retail solution in Ghana appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
Sun International Appoints Mark Sergeant as Chief Operating Officer of Gaming
Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson has announced the appointment of Mark Sergeant as chief operating officer: gaming, responsible for land-based revenue across the group.
Sergeant will head up the casino operations from February, reporting directly to the CEO. He also brings over 25 years of credible leadership experience across all spheres of Sun International’s operations, from gaming to leisure and hospitality, having led two of the UK’s largest casino groups.
As the group managing director at Genting Casinos he oversaw a portfolio of 35 casinos across the UK, an international casino operation in Cairo, a UK integrated gaming and leisure resort, and two online gaming businesses.
Sun International said the appointment marks another giant leap forward for the group as it pursues its strategy to become a digitally-led, market-leading omnichannel gaming company of scale.
Bengtsson said: “Mark brings all the right skills to drive our gaming operations forward as well as a fresh new perspective for how we can continue to build world-class capabilities”
“In addition to his notable skills, we were also impressed by his leadership expertise and his passion for people. He is widely recognised for building high‑performing teams, developing future leaders, and cultivating service‑driven cultures that will ultimately deliver exceptional customer experiences. He has also played a significant role in championing Responsible Gaming strategies, ensuring operational excellence while upholding the highest standards of compliance, integrity, and customer care.”
The post Sun International Appoints Mark Sergeant as Chief Operating Officer of Gaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AFCON 2025
AFCON’s month of football did not lift iGaming demand — Blask data analysis
AFCON 2025 ran from 21 December to 18 January, packing 52 matches across 19 matchdays. Given that schedule and the heavy interest in favourites such as Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt, many expected a measurable boost in online gambling activity. However, Blask data shows the tournament produced only occasional deviations from normal patterns — even in the nations with teams that reached the final stages.
Key findings from Blask data
- No broad uplift: Overall iGaming demand did not climb consistently across markets during AFCON.
- Weekly rhythm dominated: The Blask Index largely followed pre-existing weekly patterns; matchday timings rarely overrode those cycles.
- Host-country anomaly: Morocco — with more viewer-friendly kick-offs (five of seven on Sundays or Friday evenings) — recorded the largest single day-to-day Blask Index move (26 December, Morocco vs Mali at 21:00 local).
- Vertical competition mattered: Live-match excitement often drew attention away from casino play rather than increasing it. Hourly Blask Index figures frequently fell or stayed flat during national-team matches.
- Market-share stability: Dominant brands (usually 1–4 operators) retained their daily shares; AFCON did not reshuffle leaders in most markets.
Why AFCON didn’t create a sustained iGaming spike
- Calendar beats event noise. Daily and weekly user habits — workweek rhythms, prime-time viewing slots and local schedules — remained the strongest determinants of iGaming demand.
- Attention is finite. While live betting benefits from matchday attention, casino verticals compete for the same user time. In practice, watching matches often reduced casino activity.
- Operator strategy limits volatility. In markets controlled by a few large operators, firms manage audience attention by shifting promotions across verticals rather than expanding overall demand. That keeps market shares relatively steady.
Notable exception: Nigeria’s operator flip-flop
Nigeria bucked the broader trend: two brands controlling 70%+ of audience attention exchanged top positions frequently. Bet9ja was the 2025 leader overall, but SportyBet overtook it on most AFCON days, including all Nigeria team matchdays — showing how high-profile tournaments can temporarily reorder leaderboards where competition is extremely concentrated.
What this means for operators and marketers
- Promotions should be tactical, not assuming scale. Expect matchday windows to deliver spikes in live-bet engagement but not necessarily a net rise across iGaming.
- Vertical-specific offers perform better. Tailor live-betting promos during matches and protect casino revenues with off-peak incentives.
- Local kick-off times matter. Host nations or markets with viewer-friendly schedules can see stronger short-term lifts — use that to time campaigns.
Conclusion
AFCON 2025 drew continent-wide interest, but Blask’s daily and hourly data indicate no broad, sustained iGaming uplift. Instead, the tournament rearranged attention — boosting live-bet engagement at times while leaving overall demand on its usual calendar-driven trajectory. For operators, the insight is clear: the calendar is king, and major sporting events tend to redistribute, not expand, iGaming activity.
The post AFCON’s month of football did not lift iGaming demand — Blask data analysis appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
Sun International Appoints Nomzamo Radebe as COO
Sun International has announced that Nomzamo Radebe will join Sun International as Chief Operating Officer: Hospitality & Sales, effective 2 February 2026.
“Nomzamo will play a pivotal role in advancing our hospitality and property businesses, contributing fresh insights as we continue to build world-class capabilities and pursue our ambition to be a digitally led, market-leading, omnichannel gaming company,” said Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO of Sun International.
Nomzamo is a Chartered Accountant with over 27 years of experience, including 20 years in senior leadership roles across the real estate sector. She joins Sun International from SA Corporate Real Estate Ltd, where she served as COO, and has held executive positions at Excellerate JHI, Pareto Limited and National Treasury. Her expertise includes property asset management, portfolio optimisation, mergers and acquisitions, treasury management and stakeholder engagement, having led teams managing portfolios valued at over R10 billion.
Nomzamo has been recognised with the Five Star Woman Award and IPM Business Leader of the Year and serves on the board of SAPOA.
“I am excited to join such a strong brand like Sun International. I look forward to interacting with the various teams to drive performance and deliver on our business strategies and value creation plans in the hospitality division,” said Nomzamo Radebe.
The post Sun International Appoints Nomzamo Radebe as COO appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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