Betfred certainly seems unstoppable. It was in June 2021 when the company first entered the South African sports betting arena. It was also around that time that the behemoth finalized a purchase of Betting World. Since then, Betfred has not only offered online services to South Africans but also opened 53 retail stores.

In the meantime, another purchase was finalized, that of Sepels Sportsbet.

LottoStar Added to the Team

The deal with LottoStar involved the purchasing of a controlling share. Betfred now effectively controls the smaller organization, adding them to a growing team. LottoStar has been in the region since 2014. During that time, the sportsbook made an impressive headway into the local market.

CEO of Betfred Joanne Whittaker made a statement. She explained that the partnership would help both companies in the region. She also mentioned that the partnership will benefit European and United States markets. No further mention was made of how the South African deal would help overseas business.

More About the Companies

LottoStar has been busy in Africa. The company recently spearheaded a $1 million local campaign for children in need. A spokesperson explained that employees also put a lot of time into rebuilding communities. As far as services go, the company focuses on fixed odds betting and live dealer games.

Betfred is a true gambling industry behemoth. The organization boasts 1,600 retail shops in the United Kingdom. It is also recognized as the world’s largest independent bookmaker, amongst the largest in Western Europe. South Africa also isn’t the only region the company is gunning for. Licenses have recently been received to operate in Louisiana and Arizona.

Build the Portfolio

In other news, Betfred has extended its partnership with Inspired Entertainment. Inspired Entertainment is known for its virtual sports software. The company produces simulated dog racing and horse racing games. Bettors can bet on the outcomes without having to visit land-based tracks. Inspired Entertainment has been providing the software to Betfred for 15 years. 

The corporations have reportedly achieved much success with the software. Virtual sports are now offered on over 32,000 channels and over 100 sites. COO at Inspired Entertainment Steve Rogers shared some thoughts. He explained that year-over-year revenue has increased by 166%.

The companies are now locked into a partnership for many more years.

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Hollywoodbets Set to Lead

Over the past decade, South Africa has become one of the biggest gambling hubs in Africa. 

Soon, Hollywoodbets will broadcast races from 35 British and 26 Irish racecourses to 92 betting shops around the country. They will also be live streaming the races on their site, hollywoodbets.net.

As part of the deal, RMG and SIS will oversee aspects of broadcasting. They will also be handling the marketing and promotion of UK horseracing in South Africa. 

Brimming With Mutual Confidence

Nick Mills, the Chief Commercial Officer of RMG, has expressed his excitement at the partnership in a recent statement. He has high hopes, believing that the increase in betting shops will greatly aid in revenue. He looks forward to the success of what he refers to as “an extensive joint marketing plan” between the companies. He has revealed that the venture will have a particular focus on premier international events. These will include famous events like the Randox Grand National, QIPCO British Champions Day, and Cazoo Derby. Other events such as the Juddmonte International, Longines Irish Champions Stakes, Dubai Duty-Free Irish Derby, and Qatar Sussex Stakes will also feature.

Betting Operations Manager of Hollywoodbets, Dermot O’Connell, has also released a statement. He too has expressed his excitement and optimism at partnering with RMG and SIS. He believes that, together, their customers on both the retail and online platforms will have the best quality UK horseracing and betting services available.

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Hollywoodbets has been present in the South African betting market for years now. In that time the company has managed to secure a firm foothold. The site is renowned locally for providing a varied array of gambling services, with slots and live dealer games being the most popular. The deal with Pragmatic Play will allow the site to provide even more variety.

Achieving Growth Ambitions

Yossi Barzely is Chief Business Development Officer at Pragmatic Play. He explained that South Africa is already well established, but that room to expand still exists. He went on to say that he has been looking for a local partnership to help with regional growth ambitions. Hollywoodbets is exactly the right partner, he declared, adding that he is delighted with the partnership.

Betting Operations Manager at Hollywoodbets Dermot O’Connell shared similar thoughts. He declared that his site aims to always provide premium entertainment for customers. He pointed out that Pragmatic Play is the perfect partner in that regard. Pragmatic Play is known for its excellent quality, he explained, meaning that local players have more options than ever. 

A World Class Studio

Pragmatic Play is renowned for providing superior iGaming content. The company proudly delivers 6 new slots on a monthly basis. Live dealer and Bingo games are also produced with equal levels of regularity. This in itself is impressive, but more so that all software is delivered through a single API. This means that the studio is not only reliable but also convenient.

No doubt, South African players will be keen on trying out the new iGaming options. 

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On April 11, 2022, an article was published that suggested Sepels Sportsbet may not hold the 12 gambling licenses they claim to have. Since Sepels Sportsbet now intends to sell those licenses to Betfred as part of a R100 million deal, the Gauteng Gambling Board is stepping in. They will spare no effort in ensuring the lawfulness of the transaction. 

The Discrepancy

The gambling licenses in question were issued not to Sepels Sportsbet but were issued to its original founder, Cyril Sepel. 

The challenge lies with the fact that Sepel is deceased. This means the licenses now rest with the deceased estate. The estate has proved unsuccessful in transferring those licenses to Sepels Sportsbet. 

Glen Sepel, son of Cyril Sepel, and executor of his father’s estate has been approached for comment. However, Cyril Sepel was unwilling to discuss how the deceased estate had managed to legally transfer the licenses from his late father’s name to the company. 

A local SA newspaper approached Morne Pieterse, who is the head of Betfred’s operations in South Africa. According to Pieterse, Betfred is aware of the allegations, and will soon launch its own investigation. 

The Gauteng Gambling Board, too, is aware of the allegations. A member of the board told IOL that the board will not tolerate any unlawful conduct or “shortcuts”. According to the spokesperson, who asked to remain anonymous, while Pieterse claimed that the transaction does not require approval by the Competition Commission of South Africa, this remains to be decided by the board. 

The board member also stressed that the Gauteng Gambling Board is considered an “accountable person”. This is per Section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. As such, the board has a duty to report any transaction thought to have fraudulent ties or elements to the Hawks. 

Argument Over Approvals

As one of South Africa’s top betting operators, Sepels Sportsbet reportedly saw gross gaming revenue of around R100 million in 2021 alone. Therefore, the transaction will need approval by the Competition Commission. 

According to Johannesburg-based lawyer Ulrich Roux, whenever a global buyer acquires a local gaming enterprise, and the gaming revenue exceeds R100 million, the transaction must be approved by local regulators. 

The newspaper claims to be in possession of information that indicates that Betfred has offered to pay Sepels an amount of more than R100 million.

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Sun International, South Africa’s largest casino chain, has top-class resorts and venues all around the world. It’s one of the most recent big-name casinos to jump on the online gravy train. And with outstanding results.

Massive Revenue Boost

Recently, the company reported a 100 percent increase in the annual basic and headline revenue. This came after its overall income rose by 29 percent to R7.8 billion.

The casino resort and hotel segment, though has improved by about 39 percent since the decline, only generated around R1.5 billion of the overall revenue. Which is still far below pre-pandemic levels. This is also due to the great cost of maintenance, stock, employee salaries, interest, taxes, and so on. The casino reported R56 million in losses in 2021, which is substantially less than the R156 million in the previous year. A very optimistic sign of re-growth.

In its financial report, Sun international mentioned that the easing of lock-down restrictions in South Africa allowed for a substantial improvement. Domestic attendance at key destinations such as their Sun City and Wild Coast Sun casino resorts has gone up. Nevertheless, the demand for new solutions and incentives is still high. The fact remains that they are still running at a loss.

The inclusion of online gaming and sports betting, however, has provided much of the needed respite. It’s brought back some level of the success that casino chains once enjoyed. With Sun International’s new digital platforms taking off, they are effectively beginning to adapt and take advantage of the mobile and smartphone marketplace.

Sunbet, Sun International’s major online betting platform, on the other hand, has reported a massive increase in profit. Furthermore, lucrative deals have been struck with world-renowned casino software developers such as Playtech. Developing Sunbet is now considered a key strategy to help bring the casino company back to its former glory.

Fears of a new wave of Covid-19 infections in South Africa further hampering the livelihood of businesses are ongoing. However, the gradual improvement of attendance, as well as the success of their new online supplement, Sunbet, has brought hope to Sun International.

With new deals and acquisitions for Sunbet, which now also operates in Nigeria and Chile, the additional profit it brings is set to only increase. In the years to come, the online platform will likely work hand-in-hand with land-based casinos and become a vitally important source of revenue.

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According to reports, the provider’s games are being delivered to the operator’s customers via software provider Aardvark. The gaming offerings went live on 1 February.

South Africa a Key Market

Pragmatic Play’s chief business development officer, Yossi Barzely said that signing the deal was an important event for the provider. Playbet is one of South Africa’s leading gambling brands. The deal will help make it possible for them to make their ambitions in the marketplace a reality.

Barzely also said that he was sure players will appreciate the increased amount of good quality gaming options they’ll have access to.

Playbet’s chief marketing officer, George Vasilopoulos thanked Aardvark and the provider for the good development and compliance work. He added that the deal makes it possible for the operator’s customers to access more than 200 award-winning games and promotions. Vasilopoulos also said that he was excited about increasing the operator’s online portfolio with Pragmatic Play. 

The wide array of Pragmatic Play games that Playbet customers can choose from includes numerous top-rated slots. Gates of Olympus, Day of Dead, Voodoo Magic, Dragon Tiger, Book of the Fallen and the Ultimate 5 are just a few.

Among the live casino games are options such as Sweet Bonanza Candyland, ONE Blackjack, Mega Roulette, Mega Sic Bo, and Baccarat. A few of the provider’s popular virtual sports titles include Penalty Shootout, Fantastic League, and Horse Racing.

A Trusted Game Provider

Pragmatic Play launched in 2015 and since has opened offices in different parts of the world. The provider has offices in Malta, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, South Africa, Wales, Canada, Germany, India, Russia and China. 

Their software is licensed by respected gambling authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, and the government of Gibraltar. This assures players that the game results are fair.

Thanks to HTML5, the games are compatible with a range of devices including Android and iOS smartphones. Players can play the slots and other games in their devices’ web browsers. There is no need to download software or apps.

Pragmatic Play produces as many as 5 new slots per month as well as live casino, virtual sport and online Bingo games.

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Gauteng MEC, Parks Tau confirmed the news. Tau supports the appointment, highlighting increasing the revenue for Gauteng as one of the most important roles board members can play through these positions. 

Tau said that the GGB, which is responsible for regulating the gambling industry in the province, is critical to Gauteng’s economy. He further emphasized the important role the gambling industry plays in assisting the provincial government to create jobs and to grow the province’s economy.

Tau went further stating that the governance and management of the Gambling Board needed strengthening. Anthea Platt’s ruthless love for the law meant that she was the perfect candidate. 

The Importance of Gambling to the Province

The Gauteng Gambling Board is estimated to have collected more than R14 million in taxes for the Gauteng Province alone. Even in the past two years, where the Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented negative effects on the provincial economy, the Gambling board has continued to be an important financial source for the provincial government. 

Tau has pleaded with the Gambling board to hasten their efforts to improve socio-economic inclusivity in the gambling industry. In the words of a true custodian of the law, Tau explained that transformation is the underlying factor behind his plea. He believes that this goal should be easily deliverable by the board. 

Platt’s Goals and the Mission of the New Board

At Platt’s official swearing-in last Wednesday, she gave a speech outlining her own goals and the overall objective of the new Gambling Board. She emphasized the commitment of the board to regulating gambling in South Africa in a transparent, ethical, equitable, competent, and efficient manner.

She stated that the board will work in unison to improve the regulatory framework. At the same time, they’ll ensure that they embrace the advancements of technology when introducing new legislation for the industry.

It’s essential that the Board discharges its duties to maintain law and order in the gambling industry. It does this by ensuring fair environments for licensees and players, and all other stakeholders. Furthermore, it’s essential that the GGB continues to carry out its mandate and further contribute to the economic recovery of the Gauteng Province. 

The New Board Members

The new board, appointed via the Gauteng Gambling Board Act 14 of 1996, are as follows: 

• Chairperson: Advocate Anthea Platt SC
• Deputy Chairperson: Timothy Sukazi
• Ditaba Maraka
• Pholoso Matjele
• Kashree Rajoo
• Ramateu Monyokolo
• Dr. Peter Masegare
• Phatundi Mamabolo
• Advocate Nakedi Ribane
• Thandeka Mgoduso 
• Matshidiso Modise
• Refilwe Matenche

Tau believes that with Platt at the helm, the gambling board will pursue its urgent core function. Its aim is to protect the public and to ensure that integrity remains within the gambling industry.

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Following the legalization of regulated gambling in 1996, the industry has developed; but also engendered mixed feelings in people, especially experts. Some new heights in technology coupled with the growth of online gambling have resulted in issues for some people. These are mostly consequences they have suffered by engaging in either legal or illegal gambling.  

To this end, concerns about the economic and psychological consequences of gambling, especially the vulnerable, remain strife since the industry’s boom. This has had many people questioning the manner in which operators in South Africa comply with extant laws and their control. Questions around the extent of gambling laws, regulatory framework, and the control of abuse – have remained significant as well.

Revelations on South Africa’s Gambling Monopoly

An online gaming magazine in Africa, Gaming for Africa, has done research to understand the ownership of land-based casinos in South Africa. Its publication titled: Measuring Concentration and Participation in the South African Economy, has shown the inefficiency of licensing regimes. Specifically, the regimes have failed to spread ownership of such casinos across the industry. 

Instead, it is concentrated in a select few entities dominating the entire land-based segment. The research shows that 69.5% of the 144 sectors reviewed were in the control of the same entities. Several regulated gambling businesses are products of mergers and acquisitions that only keep furthering the monopoly.

Also, the sale of Crazy Slots to Gold Rush in 2016 has helped the company’s position in the LPM sector. The publication notes that three entities: Sun International, Gold Rush, and HCI/Tsogo Sun have vast ownership of the segment. Particularly, Sun International and Tsogo Sun have significant interest in more than 80% of such casinos. With the help of licenses and mergers, 77.5% of fixed payout machines are in their control.

A Look at the Industry

Following the regulation of the industry, gambling has become a genuine, massive industry. The 2019-2020 financial year saw the industry generate R33 billion ($2.2 billion) at national and provincial levels. This made gambling the second-biggest source of “own revenues” for governments at the regional level.
In a similar light, the industry generated R1.4 billion for social causes and created massive employment. Speaking of job opportunities, the industry boasts over 60,000 active jobs for South Africans. The online and offline casino segment has over 51,317 job opportunities. The general gross gaming revenue of South Africa was projected to reach $2.5 billion in 2021.

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These licenses are following the recent changes in the industry by the Gauteng Gambling Board. A great deal of such changes have been in favor of 4Racing. In particular, 4Racing has received licenses held by Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited for Race Meeting, Bookmaker, and Totalizator.

In a similar light, the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator and the Eastern Cape Gambling Board had transferred licenses to 4Racing. The same also happened from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, and the Free State Gambling, Liquor, and Tourism Authority. These licenses confer different gambling operations on 4Racing to improve horse racing gambling standards.  

4Racing’s Chief Executive Officer, Fundi Sithebe recognized the enormous tasks with the licenses. She stated that “The transfer of the operating licenses from the Gauteng Gambling Board to 4Racing is a major step forward for the South African horse racing industry.”

“It allows 4Racing to bring stability to the industry and the over 1000 people currently employed by Phumelela.

“We have been hard at work in preparation for the granting of all licenses we have applied for, and for the completion of the transaction with Phumelela. We will soon share more details of our future vision,” She stressed further.

In line with the rules of the Board, Mxolixi Zwan, Chairperson of 4Racing has vacated office. This shows the commitment of 4Racing to promote due diligence and observe rules of corporate governance.

A New Dawn for the Horse Racing industry

4Racing is a horse racing operator based in South Africa with operations such as Highveld Racing, Cape Racing, and Tab Online. This operator also manages the Mandela Bay racing and Computa Form. Tab Online is a top betting site in South Africa that provides tons of horse racing markets to players.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected certain physical activities, and horse racing is one of them. But the grants of these licenses to 4Racing could drive growth in the industry through strategic actions. We have a glimpse of this with 4Racing’s management team and the board. 

All the members have many years of experience to undertake the leadership required. 4Racing has four pillars: embracing the power of partnerships, drive for transformation, radical transparency, and profiting through purpose. 

These principles drive the company towards value and impact to players and the industry. As a result, responsible gambling forms the bedrock of all your activities in any of their sites.

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As another big part of this partnership, Mercedes and ATK will jointly host the new Mercedes-Benz ATK Pro Series. This is one of the biggest Sim Racing series’ in the country. The series will also give its participants the opportunity to race in a series of GT3 race cars.

We could not have hoped for a better partner to bring Esports to a wider audience whilst boosting the overall profile of gaming in South Africa and beyond.

Warren Barkhuizen, CEO of ATK

This unique partnership will lay the foundaton between traditonal and virtual sports. For South Africa this is an important step since its the first of its kind in the country,

After several years of involvement in various e-sports initiatives, we have now decided to systematically take the next step. Mercedes-Benz and ATK will push the boundaries between virtual and reality showcasing the latest in innovation

Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz South Africa

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