iGaming Fraud Increased 64%
Year-on-Year says Sumsub 2024
iGaming Fraud Report
Ithuba Wins Tanzania
National Lottery Tender
EGT TANZANIA’S MAJOR INSTALLATION AT GRAND LEONE CASINO IN SIERRA LEONE
SIS AND BITVILLE GAMING PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE AFRICA PROGRESS
KZN GAMING SECTOR COLLECTS R724M FOR SERVICE DELIVERY
Botswana Gambling Authority Scoops ‘Best Responsible Gaming Program Award at Gaming Tech 2024 Summit in Kenya
Africa’s Leading Gambling Trade Publication for AFRICA Issue 168 ZAR50 | US$3.85 | Euro 3.30
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Publisher & Editor
Roy Bannister
Executive Publisher
Ingrid Keulder
Editor-at-Large
Bill Healey
ACCOUNTS & Administration
Fax: 086 648 1634
Email: afrogame@mweb.co.za
PUBLISHER & Advertising
Headstart Productions
P.O.Box 607
Langebaan 7357
Fax: 086 648 1634
Cell: 082-468-8622
e-mail: afrogame@mweb.co.za
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Nicole Cook
Email: nicole.graphicd@gmail.com
PRINTED BY
Headstart Productions
GAMING FOR AFRICA is a bi-monthly magazine focused on casino operators and the manufacturing sector of the African gaming industry. We publish informed comment, and cover developments in legislation, new products, marketing and sales, promotions and general casino resort tourism trends in Africa Information published in GAMING FOR AFRICA or views or opinions expressed by writers are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the owner, publisher or editor of GAMING FOR AFRICA. While reasonable care is taken to report on events and occurrences in an accurate manner, we cannot accept any responsibility for inconveniences arising from misinformation. We welcome unsolicited articles and photographs but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Press releases are published in good faith and the publishers assume that information provided is correct.
Gaming for Africa is a trade publication aimed at the b2b casino and gaming industry in South Africa and across the African continent where legalized gambling is permitted. As such all advertising and editorial in this publication is aimed at professionals within the gambling industry, and not the general gambling public. Gaming for Africa endorses and promotes responsible gambling and proudly subscribes to the aims and initiatives of the legalized gambling industry thorugh the National Responsible Gambling Programme. National Responsible Gambling Counselling Line – 0800 006 008
From the Editor
This month’s issue of Africa’s Leading Gambling Industry Publication delves into the significant developments and critical issues shaping the African gaming landscape, featuring three pivotal articles that highlight the progress, challenges, and innovations within the sector.
Drawing attention to the increased challenges faced by iGaming operators, Sumsub’s 2024 iGaming Fraud Report reveals a concerning 64% year-on-year increase in fraud within the online gaming sector from 2022 to Q1 2024. The report highlights prevalent fraud schemes such as bonus abuse, affiliate fraud, illegitimate chargebacks, money laundering, and account takeovers. The findings underline the importance of comprehensive user identity verification and ongoing transaction monitoring to combat these sophisticated fraud schemes - readers can also download the report for Free by scanning the QR code on page 5.
Embracing technology to promote Responsible gambling, the Botswana Gambling Authority has introduced a groundbreaking digital responsible gambling self-help portal. This initiative aims to promote responsible gambling practices and support individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The portal offers a range of services, including selfexclusion, counseling, and access to valuable information on managing gambling behavior.
And putting a number to the benefits legalised gambling brings to South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board has revealed that gambling has made a substantial impact by generating over R724-million in revenue from this sector, which has been dedicated to service delivery, leading to the creation of more than 11 600 jobs.
These articles underscore the dynamic and innovative nature of Africa’s gaming sector, highlighting significant financial contributions, the increasing sophistication of fraud, and innovative measures to promote responsible gambling. As the industry continues to grow, these insights will be crucial for stakeholders aiming to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities within the African gaming landscape.
Roy Bannister
2 SIS and
Gaming for Africa / 1 FROM THE PUBLISHER & EDITOR CONTENTS
Progress 2 Ithuba
Tanzania National Lottery
4 iGaming
Report 6
6
Sport Deal 8 NOVOVISION™ Tournament Simplifies Live Table Tournaments 10 Botswana Gambling Authority Scoops ‘Best Responsible Gaming Program Award at Gaming Tech 2024 Summit in Kenya 12 Gambling Authority Launches Digital Responsible Gambling SelfHelp Portal 14 Betsafe Joins Kenya Exodus Amid Increasing Taxes 14 Sportingtech releases ‘industry-first’ football crash game with Jogo Global 16 Pragmatic Play Returns With Super Symbols In Revenge Of Loki Megaways™ 16 Habanero on the Prowl with Release of Arctic Hunt 20 BGaming Debuts In Africa With Premier Bet 20 BetGames Expands Bespoke Collection with Shova 52 Release for Hollywoodbets 22 Gambling Authority Launches SMS Games Policy 22 Digitain Offers Turnkey Solution to Nigeria’s BetJara 24 African Gaming Expansion for PayRetailers 26 Peermont Set to Revolutionize Casino Experience with New Network Rollout 28 GrandWest Table Mountain Field Trip for Learners 30 KZN Gaming Sector Collects R724m for Service Delivery 32 EGT Tanzania Consolidates its Status as a Leader in Africa with a Major Installation at Grand Leone Casino in Sierra Leone 34 Pragmatic Play Seeks a Champion in Heroic Spins 34 Uganda Lottery: Transforming Lives, One Ticket at a Time 38 New GM for Carnival City Casino 38 3Oaks Gaming to enter South Africa with Supabets 39 African Gaming Regulators 39 Licensed Gaming Manufacturers & Suppliers
Bitville Gaming Partnership to Accelerate Africa
Wins
Tender
Fraud Increased 64% Year-on-Year says Sumsub 2024 iGaming Fraud
Nigeria’s Enugu State to Host First Gaming Conference
Kiron Interactive strengthens Ethiopian Performance with Hulu
02 10 12
SIS and Bitville Gaming Partner to Accelerate Africa Progress
SIS (Sports Information Services), the leading multi-channel and content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, has signed an agreement with Bitville Gaming to deliver its products to sportsbooks in regulated markets across Africa.
The deal, which covers premium racing content featuring over 65,000 annual horse and greyhound racing events annually, SIS’ roundthe-clock Competitive Gaming products (eBasketball and eSoccer), and Numbers draws, including the original 49’s live draw, with fixed odds betting on live numbers draws significantly enhancing the reach of SIS across Africa.
SIS has worked alongside Bitville Gaming to develop region-specific iframes for its popular betting content, providing a clean, attractive, and engaging front end with a much quicker integration.
As a leading specialist in B2B products, Bitville Gaming offers a comprehensive retail and online betting solution for betting operators and platform providers, including a large selection of state lotteries.
Joe Andrews, Head of Sales - Africa at SIS, said: “We have made great strides recently in the African market and this is a deal that will help us to supercharge our progress across regulated markets. Bitville Gaming has great reach and in taking all of our products, we believe we can serve its operator partners with compelling, 24/7 entertainment.
“The new iframe that has been designed is also perfect for engaging with the huge number of live numbers draws fans in the region.”
Andrew von Hoesslin, CEO at Bitville Gaming, said: “We are always looking for new products to offer to our operator partners and the portfolio provided by SIS is full of richly engaging products. From racing to Competitive Gaming and live numbers draws, this agreement enables us to give operators and their players a range of entertainment options that are proven to appeal to African audiences.”
About SIS
SIS (Sports Information Services) has been at the forefront of live pictures and data delivery to the global betting industry for over 35 years. SIS has a rich heritage in creating and distributing betting events for horse and greyhound racing, as well as esports and live
numbers draws.
SIS is the leading supplier of high-quality 24/7 live betting content and services, delivering a range of round-the-clock services to over 400 retail and online customers in more than 50 countries, 365 days a year.
In addition to racing, SIS offers over 150,000, round-the-clock esports events through our marketleading Competitive Gaming product, with eSoccer and eBasketball content underpinned with the highest integrity (ESIC Gold Standards) and provides over 300,000 Live Numbers draws annually.
For more information about SIS please visit www.sis.tv
About Bitville Gaming
Bitville Gaming is a leading Provider of online & retail betting solutions, serving businesses and operators with bespoke B2B products within the lottery, sports, and casino verticals.
Strong focus goes on cutting-edge technology to deliver reliable, flexible, and scalable bespoke solutionssetting new standards in the gambling industry.
Get in touch to find out more about our lottery, sports, slots, crash, instant and shooting fish games.
Find out more at https://bitvillegaming.com
Ithuba Wins Tanzania National Lottery Tender
Ithuba, the South African company that operates South Africa’s National Lottery has been awarded the licence to operate Tanzania’s Lottery. This, following Ithuba’s award for the Uganda National Lottery.
In a statement, Ithuba said it was a black womanowned business and was proud of the partnership with the Tanzanian government.
The company said that this was a major milestone in its advancement strategy to expand its footprint in Africa. It further demonstrated the company’s robust growth across the continent.
“Today marks a historical milestone for us. Ithuba’s solutions, from our games to our technology, have been specifically developed for the African market. We are both proud and honoured to have been chosen as the National Lottery Operator in Tanzania. This expansion is a testament to our deep commitment to the continent and our capability to offer large jackpots and innovative games that
resonate deeply with our players,” Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of Ithuba said.
The company said that it is Africa’s leading lottery operator and prides itself on its approach to national lottery games.
Ithuba made it clear that they see the Tanzanian partnership as a clear indication of the company’s expertise in the lottery industry.
“We are excited to bring our signature approach to Tanzania, where we anticipate not only transforming the lottery experience, but also significantly contributing to community development and economic growth,” Mabuza added.
Ithuba is privately owned and was founded by the Zamani Equity Fund.
The company has a multi-billion rand licence agreement with SA to be the national lottery operator till May 2025.
The company beat out 18 other businesses vying for the lucrative contract.
2 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
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iGaming Fraud Increased 64% Year-on-Year says Sumsub 2024 iGaming Fraud Report
Sumsub’s internal findings from 2023 to Q1 2024, showcase popular fraud schemes in online casinos and betting platforms
Sumsub, a global full-cycle verification platform, today released its 2024 iGaming Fraud Report, with updated identity fraud numbers and predictions for the industry.
According to findings, the most popular fraud schemes in the iGaming industry are bonus abuse, affiliate fraud, illegitimate chargebacks, money laundering and account takeovers.
Key findings of Sumsub’s 2024 iGaming Fraud Report include:
• Between 2022 and 2024, fraud in the online gaming sector increased 64% year-over-year on average.
• African countries, Nigeria and Kenya rank among Top 10 countries worldwide for highest percentage of fraudulent transactions. 6% of all Nigerian iGaming players are fraudsters, with Kenya close behind at 5,5% - these numbers are significantly higher than the global average of 1,4% of fraudulent players.
• By country, Bangladesh leads the fraud charts in Q1 2024 with a whopping 8.5% of all applicants being fraudsters, followed by Indonesia (8%), South Korea (6.6%), Pakistan (6.1%), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (6%).
• Selfie mismatch is the most frequent type of fraud attack in gaming, representing 73% of all detected fraud in Q1 2024.
• AI-powered deepfake scams are advancing at unprecedented rates, having grown 10x between 2022-2023.
• Money muling remains the most widespread fraud scheme.
“Due to the growth of sophisticated scams and increase in the overall fraud rates in the iGaming industry, simple KYC checks are no longer a guarantee of players’ genuine personas and platforms’ robust protection,” explains Kris Galloway, Head of iGaming Product at Sumsub. To ensure companies best avoid fraud scenarios and remain safe and compliant, they must deploy user identity verification at the onboarding stage in addition to betting pattern analysis and ongoing transaction monitoring.”
According to Statista, in 2024, the revenue of the online gambling market is expected to exceed $100B. By 2029, the number of users is predicted to reach 281.3M globally. Between 2022 and 2023, fraud losses for mobile casinos and betting platforms totaled $1.2B. With regulations becoming stricter, leading to millions in fines paid by iGaming platforms every year and license revocations, it is obvious that businesses that choose to settle for minimal defenses will likely suffer heavy financial and reputational losses.
“A combined approach is the best bet against advanced iGaming fraud. Every step of the user lifecycle must be protected—from initial sign-ups to the withdrawal stage. That involves KYC, behavioral
intelligence, device fingerprinting, database checks, and more. Sumsub combines all the necessary checks within its full-cycle verification platform tailored to the needs of gaming platforms and operators, ensuring advanced fraud protection and a smooth player journey,” adds Andrew Novoselsky, CPO at Sumsub
The content of the report is based on detailed statistics and analysis of current fraud incidents (all internal data was aggregated and anonymized). iGaming and identity fraud experts from Sumsub and company partners also share their predictions for the industry, highlighting complex challenges related to different fraud schemes and practical measures needed to prevent them and protect businesses. Download the Report for Free: https://sumsub.com/igaming-fraud-report/
About Sumsub
Sumsub is a full-cycle verification platform that secures the whole user journey. With Sumsub’s customizable KYC, KYB, Transaction Monitoring and Fraud Prevention solutions, you can orchestrate your verification process, welcome more customers worldwide, meet compliance requirements, reduce costs, and protect your business.
Sumsub has over 2,000 clients across the fintech, crypto, transportation, trading, e-commerce and gaming industries including Bitpanda, Wirex, Avis, Bybit, Huobi, Kaizen Gaming, and TransferGo. iGaming Fraud Increased 64% YoY: Sumsub Shares Alarming Data in 2024 iGaming Fraud Report
4 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
Nigeria’s Enugu State to Host First Gaming Conference
Enugu State is set to establish itself as Nigeria’s leading destination for gambling tourism. The highly anticipated Enugu State Gaming Conference, organized by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC), will be held at the Amadeo Event Centre on June 27, 2024. This inaugural conference will bring together industry stakeholders to explore new opportunities and collaborations within the gaming sector.
The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, established under CAP 86 laws of Enugu State, is the legal regulator for all gaming, gambling, and lotto activities within the state. The commission is dedicated to promoting responsible gaming practices and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
“This conference marks a pivotal moment for the gaming industry in Enugu State,” said Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary and CEO of ESGC. “It’s an opportunity for us to showcase how far we’ve come in regulating and managing the gaming landscape in our state.”
The theme of this groundbreaking event is
“Exploring the Future of Gaming: Innovations and Collaborations,” reflecting a commitment to fostering growth and development within the industry. Governor Peter Mbah, the special guest of honor, will attend to show support for initiatives aimed at positioning Enugu as a hub for gambling tourism.
“We believe that through strategic partnerships between casino operators and hospitality providers, we can unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity within our state,” stated Arum. “This conference is about more than just discussing ideas—it’s about taking concrete steps towards making Enugu a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts.”
The event will provide attendees with valuable
Kiron Interactive strengthens Ethiopian Performance with Hulu Sport Deal
Kiron Interactive, a leading provider of virtual sports and numbers games, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Hulu Sport, a tier-one operator in Ethiopia, with the launch of its innovative Mobile Lite Football Leagues product.
The new offering, known as the Hulu League, is an extension of Kiron’s existing partnership with Hulu Sport, which already includes the integration of Kiron’s products in the operator’s retail and online channels via its omnichannel Betman platform.
Mobile Lite Football Leagues is a tailored version of Kiron’s popular virtual football product, designed specifically for mobile devices in markets with limited bandwidth. The game offers an immersive and engaging virtual football experience, complete with a wide range of betting markets while requiring a fraction of the regular data consumption.
The Hulu League launch will significantly
boost Hulu Sport’s mobile offering, providing its players with a unique, entertaining and data-light virtual football betting experience that Kiron Interactive is renowned for in the industry.
Steven Spartinos, Kiron Co-CEO , said: “We are honoured to extend our partnership with Hulu Sport, one of Ethiopia’s leading operators. The launch of the Hulu League demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative and tailored products that meet the specific needs
insights into regulatory practices, market trends, and potential investment opportunities within the gaming sector. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Governor Mbah on his vision for promoting sustainable growth within the industry.
With its focus on collaboration and innovation, the Enugu State Gaming Conference represents a significant milestone in advancing the state’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s growing gambling tourism market. By leveraging its regulatory prowess and creating fertile ground for partnership opportunities, ESGC is paving the way for a bright future in gaming tourism.
of our partners and their players.
“We look forward to working closely with the Hulu Sport team to ensure the success of this new bespoke offering and to exploring further opportunities to enhance their product portfolio with our cutting-edge virtual sports content.”
Kibrom Gebremeskel, Deputy General Manager at Hulegeb Online Solution (Hulusport) , said: “We are excited to expand our partnership with Kiron Interactive and bring the engaging Hulu League virtual football product to more players in Ethiopia. This innovative offering perfectly complements our existing sports betting portfolio and provides our customers with a unique and immersive gaming experience.
“Kiron’s Mobile Lite Football Leagues product has been tailored to meet the specific needs of our market, and we are confident that it will be a major hit with our players. We look forward to working closely with the Kiron team to maximise the potential of this new content and to further strengthen our position as a leading operator in the Ethiopian market.”
To find out more about Kiron’s awardwinning customer service and leading product portfolio, get in touch via: LetsConnect@ kironinteractive.com or click here: Request a Demo | Kiron Interactive
6 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
www.amatic.com sales@amatic.com
NOVOVISION™ Tournament Simplifies Live Table Tournaments
Managing Poker and other live table tournaments is now incredibly simple with the new NOVOVISION™ tournament module. This innovative tool allows operators to easily plan, organize, and manage their own tournaments and leagues, maintaining full administrative control over all table parameters and events.
NOVOVISION™ tournament is the latest addition to NOVOMATIC’s comprehensive suite of gaming management applications within the NOVOVISION™ casino management solution. This module brings unprecedented ease to live table tournament management.
Key features include:
• Detailed settings for game types, chips, rounds, and buy-ins.
• Dynamic prize calculation.
• Advanced table and player management, significantly reducing administrative effort.
• Capability to manage tournament display content, messaging, and sound notifications across an unlimited number of screens in the venue.
Operators can monitor and control all tournament details live and in real-time through this intuitive system app. Timers indicate the current duration or time left to start specific events, and actions such as reseating, adding or removing players, or manually shortening the tournament by skipping rounds can be performed with just a few clicks. All tournament events are tracked in real-time and instantly displayed in the “history” tab.
NOVOVISION™ tournament supports various card games, including Poker variants, Blackjack, and Baccarat/Punto Banco. It is fully integrated with the NOVOVISION™ cashdesk, allowing seamless tournament registration and managing players’ buy-ins and prize wins directly through
their NOVOVISION™ wallet.
Jens Einhaus, Sales Director NBS , praises the new module: “Poker tournaments are hugely popular casino events, but organizing them can be a complex task. The atmosphere on the floor is intense, and there is no room for delays or mishaps. Our new NOVOVISION™ tournament module ensures a smooth operation, guiding operators through all tournament events and settings. I am confident that operators will love its ease of use, and players will appreciate the seamless and transparent real-time display of information.”
8 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
Botswana Gambling Authority Scoops
‘Best Responsible Gaming Program Award at Gaming Tech 2024 Summit in Kenya
The Bostwana Gambling Authority has walked away with the the ‘Best Responsible Gaming Program Award in Africa’ at the Gaming Tech 2024 Summit in Kenya.
The award was received by the Gambling Authority Chief Executive Officer, Emolemo Peter Kesitilwe and Gambling Authority Manager, Regulatory Enforcement, Ms Linnet Mafukidze.
The event, held under the theme ‘Bridging Borders, Unifying Gaming & Tech in Africa’, is the first edition of Gaming Tech Africa and took place in Nairobi, Kenya at Safari Park Hotel & Casino from 4-5 June 2024.
This summit, planned to become an annual event, is a coveted platform for gaming and national lottery regulators from across the continent and beyond, aiming to form the future of gaming and technology in Africa.
Today’s esteemed award acknowledges the unwavering commitment of the Gambling Authority to nurturing a responsible and well-regulated gambling environment in Botswana.
Expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him and his team, the Chief Executive Officer of Gambling Authority, Emolemo Peter Kesitilwe, remarked: “We are privileged to receive this honour from our peers in the African gaming industry.”
Kesitilwe noted that the award symbolises the relentless dedication and perseverance exhibited by the Gambling Authority team.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Gambling Authority Launches Digital
Responsible Gambling Self-Help
Portal
The Botswana Gambling Authority has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting responsible gambling practices and supporting individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The launch ceremony took place at the iconic Three Dikgosi Monument, located in the heart of the Gaborone Central Business District, and was officiated by the country’s Hon. Mmusi Kgafela, Minister of Trade and Industry. Joining him were Minister Hon. Fidelis Mmilili Molao and Assistant Minister Hon. Beauty Manake, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.
The implementation of the digital responsible gambling self-help portal underscores the Gambling Authority’s dedication to fostering a culture of responsible gambling. With an attendance of approximately 300 individuals, including government officials, stakeholders, and members of the public, the event marked a pivotal step towards creating a safer gambling environment.
A responsible gambling self-help portal serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking
assistance with gambling-related issues or striving to maintain healthy gambling habits. This platform offers a range of services, including self-exclusion, counseling, thirdparty exclusion applications, and cancellation of exclusions. Additionally, users can access valuable information on responsible gambling practices, self-assessment tools, support resources, and tips for managing gambling behavior.
In his address, Hon. Mmusi Kgafela
emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “It is with great pleasure and a sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at the launch of the Gambling Authority’s Responsible Gambling Self-Help Portal. As the Minister of Trade and Industry, I assure you of my deepest commitment to ensuring that the gaming industry operates responsibly and ethically.”
Hon. Mmusi Kgafela commended the efforts of the Gambling Authority in conducting research projects aimed at understanding the dynamics of gambling in Botswana. He highlighted the prevalence of problem gambling in the country, stating, “The findings from this study will inform targeted interventions and support services aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of problem gambling on individuals and communities.”
The launch of the responsible gambling self-help portal aligns with Botswana’s national Vision 2036 and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By promoting responsible gambling practices, the initiative aims to improve public health outcomes and stimulate economic growth.
For individuals in need of assistance with gambling-related issues, the digital responsible gambling self-help portal is accessible through a USSD code and web portal. The government urges all citizens to utilize this resource and join in creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.
For more information and access to the responsible gambling self-help portal, please visit selfhelp.gamblingauthority.co.bw or USSD code *228# from all local (Botswana) mobile network providers. For the 24/7 Toll-free line, dial 19777.
12 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
Coming in hot is the new franchise LION LINK™, entering the field with two titles, WEALTH OF THE DRAGON and PROSPEROUS ROOSTER. Both games bring thrilling Hold & Spin gameplay with a helper mechanic that can make it easier to trigger the Hold & Spin, driving player excitement. The Free Games differ slightly with WEALTH OF THE DRAGON featuring Locking Curtain Free Games and PROSPEROUS ROOSTER uses Walking Curtain Free Games. Both titles feature outstanding denom and cabinet variety, making it a strong candidate for high-limit rooms.
Contact your Light & Wonder Account Executive to learn more.
LnW.com The look and feel of the games and their individual components and displays are trade dress of Light & Wonder, Inc. and its subsidiaries. © 2024 Light & Wonder, Inc. All Rights Reserved. @LightNWonder
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Betsafe Joins Kenya Exodus Amid Increasing Taxes
Betting firm Betsafe has exited the Kenyan market due to escalating taxation pressures, which continue to drive companies out of the multibillion-shilling industry.
Betsafe CEO Victor Sudi confirmed the shutdown of Kenya operations effective May 14, resulting in job losses for its employees.
Betsafe is the latest company to leave the Kenyan market, citing excessive taxation. Other firms, including Betin, have also folded under similar conditions. Betting firms in Kenya face a 15-percent tax on gross gaming revenue, a 30-percent corporate tax on profits, and a 16-percent income tax, alongside annual licensing and compliance fees. Additionally, a proposal was tabled in Parliament last year to impose a 13-percent gaming levy on gross revenues.
“It’s true that Betsafe Kenya will cease its operations in the country effective May 14, 2024,” Mr. Sudi has been reported as telling a local jorunalist in a phone interview. Betsafe launched in Kenya in December 2020 through Bet High Kenya, the Kenyan subsidiary of Betsson. Sudi did not disclose the number of employees affected but assured that punters with outstanding balances would be refunded within seven days. Since 2019, the government has increased taxation on betting firms to curb the rising popularity of betting among the youth and the unemployed. This crackdown led to the exits of Betin and SportPesa (then registered under Pevans East Africa) five years ago amid disputes over unpaid taxes.
SportPesa has since returned to the market after its trading name was acquired by Milestone Games Limited. Besides targeting betting firms, the government has also imposed taxes on gamblers, taking 12.5-percent of betting stakes and a 20-percent withholding tax on winnings. The country’s Finance Bill, 2024, proposes raising the tax on betting stakes to 20-percent as the government seeks tighter control over the industry.
Sportingtech releases ‘industry-first’ football crash game with Jogo Global
Real-time game hosts 20,000 players at a time with cash-out display
Full-service betting and gaming platform provider Sportingtech has teamed up with casino content developer Jogo Global to release new LatAm-facing crash game, Kick Off.
The football-themed ‘Fast Game’ injects further LatAm flavour into Sportingtech’s game portfolio as it looks to cement its reputation as a tier-one provider across the region’s diverse markets.
In the never-seen-before release, up to 20,000 players can enjoy simultaneous gameplay, with real-time visibility when players choose to cash out. The release also offers the opportunity to place two bets at once and gives two 50% cash out options, as well as being packed with social and community engagement tools.
Jogo Global is one of the fastest growing Fast Game and casino content developers and platform providers in the industry working out of the UK, Brazil and the USA. It offers customised Fast Game development using ground-breaking and real-time technology,
The online and mobile-friendly Kick Off game will be available initially in both English and Portuguese language versions.
This partnership with Jogo Global builds on Sportingtech’s tier-one reputation in LatAm and adds to the provider’s localised games line-up.
Tommy Molloy, Chief Product Officer at Sportingtech, said: “We are pleased to release Kick Off in collaboration with Jogo Global, who have created a game that appeals to the tastes of LatAm players. Crash games are extremely popular across the region’s markets and with the added football theme, we are sure it will be a hit.
“Jogo Global listened to our brief and worked closely with us to produce a brand-new game that we are proud to add to our platform.”
David Marcus, CEO at Jogo Global, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Sportingtech on this ground-breaking release. They are the perfect partner and this release is the first of a range of Fast Games that they will be launching.
“Kick Off is not only an engaging and compelling game in its own right - the multi-bet,
social and multiplayer features offer a flavour of great things to come from the Fast Games vertical. Watch this space!”
About Sportingtech
Sportingtech is a multi-award-winning provider of turnkey betting and gaming solutions designed for regulated and emerging markets around the globe. Its full-service platform offers retail, sports, casino and esports via a modular system and intuitive back office. Its unparalleled ability to cater for local-market customisation and operator preferences provides players with an optimal betting experience, resulting in proven growth for its rapidly expanding customer base.
Fast and scalable, the omni-channel platform currently processes more than 1 billion bets monthly Its sportsbook has 100+ sports to choose from and features over 1,300 betting markets with 800,000+ live events. Its casino offers a portfolio of 10,000+ games covering slots, table and live games, poker and live bingo sourced from more than 100 of the industry’s leading design studios.
Based in six locations around the world, the Sportingtech team delivers its premium offering via a combination of comprehensive market knowledge and robust, industry-leading technology.
Visit: www.sportingtech.com
About Jogo Global
Jogo is one of the fastest growing fast game & casino content developers and platform providers in the industry, dedicated to delivering the best experiences to Operators and their Players worldwide.
Working out of the UK, Brazil and USA, Jogo’s team have experience within the mobile, online and land based gaming sectors. Using ground breaking, real time, multi-player technology and world famous IP, Jogo’s innovative content and services help businesses run more efficiently and deliver excitement to their Players.
Jogo’s technology and processes meet latest industry standards and have been certified by the major testing labs for regulated markets. For more information visit: www.jogoglobal.com
14 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
Pragmatic Play Returns With Super Symbols In Revenge Of Loki Megaways™
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has released Revenge of Loki Megaways™, in which the God of Mischief can unleash a blazing free spins round with a cacophony of wilds.
Super symbols hold the key to unlocking wild reels that randomly transform high-paying symbols in this six-reel Slot with up to 117,649 ways to win. Four scatters landing in the base game spell out Loki’s name across the grid and award nine free spins, with more scatters awarding additional free spins.
Before the feature begins, players are given a chance to gamble for more free spins up to the maximum 18 available. During the feature, the super symbol not only adds wild symbols to all positions on the reel above it, but it also awards one extra free spin. The Loki symbol can also appear during the bonus game, awarding up to two additional free spins or a 1x-2x multiplier.
Revenge of Loki Megaways™ is the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s Slot portfolio, following releases such as Big Bass Bonanza –Reel Action and Heroic Spins.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play , said: “Revenge of Loki Megaways™ is Pragmatic Play’s second outing with the God of Mischief and includes super symbols that can fill the reel above it with wilds and randomly transform high-paying symbols,
potentially leading to wins of up to 10,000x.”
Pragmatic Play currently produces up to eight new Slot titles a month, while also delivering Live Casino and Bingo games as part of its multi-product portfolio, available through a single API.
Habanero on the Prowl with Release of Arctic Hunt
Premium slots and table games provider, Habanero, invites players for an icy adventure in its new title Arctic Hunt, offering expanding wilds with multipliers of up to 50x.
Set against a snowy forest, this 5x3 game hosts a variety of wildlife such as fish, rabbits, deer and beavers as its symbols. Arctic foxes can also appear as wilds and substitute other icons to help form wins. Regular symbols can land with crystal
gems attached which are accumulated in a counter at the top of the board. Collecting seven of these gems triggers expanding wilds in the following spin, where the fox tile expands to cover the entire reel it lands on as well as providing a multiplier of 2x to 50x.
Three to five snowflake Scatter symbols can land, awarding 10, 20 or 50 free games respectively which can be retriggered to further boost the chances of big win potential.
Arctic Hunt follows recent hits such as Moo Moo Cow and Golden Taj Mahal as the provider continues to bolster its portfolio with highquality releases.
Commenting on the release, Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero , said: “Inviting players on a snowy excursion through the wilderness, Arctic Hunt pairs its immersive theme with equally captivating gameplay.
“Allowing players to hunt for an array of animals, including the elusive expanding Wild fox which can boost wins by up to 50x, we’re confident our latest release will continue to drive growth for our partners.”
INDUSTRY NEWS 16 / Gaming for Africa
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BGaming Debuts In Africa With Premier Bet
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has signed a multi-brand content deal with African licenced operator Premier Bet, marking another major market entry.
Through this new collaboration, BGaming has delivered a selection of its games to Premier Bet’s platform. Titles such as Fruit Million, Wild Cash X9990, Bonanza Billion, Aztec Clusters and Merge Up are all available to the operator’s registered players across several African markets.
Premier Bet dates back to 1997 and currently operates in 17 countries on the continent. It is one of Africa’s biggest betting companies, offering gaming and business opportunities to people across the west, east, centre and south of the continent.
Africa has always been an epicenter for
innovation and resilience, and one industry exemplifying its dynamism in recent years is gambling. This latest market expansion demonstrates BGaming’s exponential global growth and lays the foundations for further success in the thriving region.
Olga Levshina, CCO at BGaming , said: “BGaming continues to penetrate international iGaming markets, with its fresh approach to online casino proving a hit with a wide demographic of players. With this partnership, we have added some of our most appealing titles to Premier Bet’s games line-up as it seeks to expand its player base.”
Karen Hope, Director of Casino at Premier Bet, added: “We are pleased to partner with BGaming to drive this next phase of Premier Bet’s development across several key African markets. The studio’s vibrant games add variety to our casino games collection.”
BetGames Expands Bespoke Collection with Shova 52 Release for Hollywoodbets
Leading games provider BetGames has expanded its catalogue of bespoke casino titles with the release of Shova 52, a unique card game based on the popular local game, “Call A Card”, designed exclusively for South Africa-based tier-one operator Hollywoodbets.
The release follows the extremely successful launch of BetGames’ debut crash game Skyward, with the innovative provider and Hollywoodbets keen to capitalise on its prominence to reaffirm and develop their positions in the South African market.
Shova 52 is a card game like no other, tasking players with predicting which card will land on the ‘Player’ position on the table once 52 cards have been dealt alternately to the ‘Player’ and ‘Dealer’. It is a simple concept executed with BetGames’ ever-present attention to detail, striking a perfect balance between fast-paced gameplay and winning potential.
BetGames’ foray into the bespoke game development market has been a prosperous one, emphasised by Hollywoodbets’ desire to further the collaboration with another exclusively tailored title in Shova 52.
The game release marks another significant milestone in the symbiotic relationship between the industry-leading provider and tier-one operator as both look to expand their presence and influence across the rapidly growing South African market, which is predicted to generate US$828.50 million in 2024.
James Everett, VP for Africa and LatAm at
BetGames, said: “We are delighted to continue our fruitful relationship with tier-one operator Hollywoodbets, which is sure to assist with our ambitious growth plans in South Africa.
“This game has been created with meticulous care to ensure that Hollywoodbets’ players benefit from the optimal gaming experience and associate BetGames with cutting-edge technology.”
20 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
Gambling Authority Launches SMS Games Policy
Responding to market demands, the Botswana Gambling Authority will be regulating gaming activities conducted electronically and via SMS platforms.
The Gambling Authority announced the launch of the Digital, Virtual, Interactive, and Short Message Service (SMS) Competitions, Games, and Quizzes Policy. This comprehensive policy aims to regulate and oversee competitions conducted electronically and via SMS platforms, ensuring transparency, fairness, and consumer protection.
The Digital, Virtual, Interactive, and SMS Competitions, Games, and Quizzes Policy
establishes clear guidelines and procedures for the regulation of these activities, setting regulatory parameters for their conduct, and ensuring transparency and accountability by operators.
Entities intending to conduct Digital, Virtual, Interactive, and SMS Competitions, Games, and Quizzes are required to apply for registration with the Gambling Authority in accordance with the established regulatory framework. Applicants must submit detailed documentation outlining the
intended purpose of the proposed competition, certified copies of relevant registrations, detailed rules or terms and conditions, and a comprehensive proposal outlining various aspects of the competition.
Prior to the commencement of competitions, operators are required to fulfill certain conditions, including providing proof of available prizes, ensuring compliance with all laws of Botswana, and displaying appropriate warnings for underage persons.
Fees associated with applications and services are outlined in the policy, with an application fee and a service fee calculated at 10% of the Gross Gaming Revenue, payable monthly.
Consumer protection measures are paramount, with operators mandated to provide clear and accurate information, establish channels for customer support and complaints resolution, implement responsible gaming measures, and ensure fairness and integrity in competition systems.
Advertising and promotional activities must be conducted responsibly, avoiding misleading claims, and compliance with applicable advertising regulations is required.
The Gambling Authority emphasizes that noncompliance with the provisions of this policy may result in suspension or revocation of registration, and periodic reviews will be conducted to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
Interested parties are encouraged to review the full policy document and submit applications accordingly.
For more information and access to the Digital, Virtual, Interactive, and SMS Competitions, Games, and Quizzes Policy, please visit www.gamblingauthority.co.bw
Digitain Offers Turnkey Solution to Nigeria’s BetJara
Digitain has bolstered its footprint in Africa through a deal with regulated Nigerian operator BetJara. BetJara will integrate Digitain’s turnkey solution into its platform, including a sportsbook as well as esports, virtual sports and casino offerings.
The operator will also gain access to Digitain’s Gamification tool to use in promotional campaigns for player acquisition and retention.
Digitain’s chief sales officer Ani Mkrtchyan backed BetJara players to enjoy the further addition of tools such as Autobet, Betbuilder and Jackpots.
Owoseni Abiodun Dada, CEO of BetJara, said it will use the deal with Digitain to “scale and ensure the best features and experience for our players.”
Digitain’s sportsbook delivers over 100 sports and more than 130,000 live and 80,000 pre-match events monthly.
The deal will furthermore comprise the company’s Payment Gateway, Sports Data and Statistics and enterprise tools.
INDUSTRY NEWS 22 / Gaming for Africa
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African Gaming Expansion for PayRetailers
With Africa’s gaming market becoming increasingly connected and mobile-oriented, PayRetailers, a renowned payment processor in Latin America, sees an opportunity to extend its expertise to Africa.
Having already established a solid presence in over 12 countries in Latin America, PayRetailers is now focusing on expanding its reach to Africa, starting with four key countries: Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Leveraging its experience, PayRetailers aims to simplify payment processes for businesses looking to expand into these African markets, offering a seamless, user-friendly, and scalable payment solution.
Recognizing the immense growth potential in Africa, PayRetailers is committed to providing access to major local payment methods such as SPENN, Airtel, and MTN, thereby facilitating business growth and enhancing financial inclusion in these emerging markets.
Lorenzo Pellegrino, Chief Operating and Digital Officer at PayRetailers , explains the strategic significance of this expansion,
stating, “We are extending our coverage to four markets in Africa, with plans for further expansion in the coming months. Africa is experiencing incredible growth in the payments industry, presenting vast opportunities for merchants seeking to diversify their consumer base.”
Juan Pablo Jutgla, CEO of PayRetailers , emphasizes the company’s commitment to empowering clients and seizing new opportunities in dynamic markets. He notes, “Each new addition to our market coverage represents untapped opportunities and strengthened partnerships, ensuring our sustained growth and global relevance.”
Looking ahead, PayRetailers is already planning additional expansions across West, North, and Southern Africa to further solidify its position in the region. With its proven track record and commitment to innovation, PayRetailers aims to continue facilitating
business growth and financial inclusion across diverse markets.
PayRetailers believes its gaming capabilities will allow it to position itself as a key player in the industry. The company claims that its all-in-one payment platform offers stability, security, immediacy of transfers, and speed of payments, catering specifically to the needs of the gaming sector. With a full range of payment solutions available for 12 Latin American countries and over 250 local payment methods, PayRetailers provides a competitive edge for merchants in the gaming industry.
The platform empowers merchants to enhance their business platforms in response to gamer needs, offering customizable interfaces, flexible integration methods, multi-currency support, and third-party integrations. Furthermore, PayRetailers ensures the security of user information through high-security standards and PCI/DSS compliance, including tokenization.
24 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
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Peermont Set to Revolutionize Casino Experience with New Network Rollout
In a bid to enhance customer experience and streamline operations, Peermont Global, prominent operator in the Africam casino and hotel industry, is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking network across its entire casino complex.
Spearheading this ambitious initiative is Gona Rajoo, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Group IT executive, renowned for his innovative approach and commitment to excellence.
Rajoo’s journey in the realm of Information Technology (IT) has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his humble beginnings as a high school teacher to his pivotal role in major IT builds for renowned establishments like Sun International, Rajoo has consistently pushed boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
At the helm of Peermont Global, Rajoo has prioritized customer experience, recognizing it as the cornerstone of success in the hospitality sector. With the impending rollout of a comprehensive network, Rajoo aims to provide patrons with a seamless and immersive experience, transcending traditional boundaries between gaming and hospitality services.
“We’re about to hit the ground with a combined app that services the hotel and casino customers,” Rajoo explains. “Guests will be able to transact seamlessly, from loading funds to cashing out winnings, all through their smartphones.”
The initiative underscores Peermont Global’s commitment to leveraging technology to address customer pain points and enhance overall satisfaction. By embracing innovative solutions and fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, Rajoo exemplifies the role of a modern CIO as a catalyst for transformation and growth.
As Rajoo aptly puts it, “The role of IT is to become a broker of technology with solutions to business problems.” With the impending network rollout, Peermont Global is poised to redefine the casino experience, setting new standards of excellence in the industry.
Abstract from original article, courtesy of CIO South Africa (image credit: CIO South Africa): https://cio-sa.co.za/articles/peermont-globalcio-gona-rajoo-on-building-it-environments-andbeing-a-broker-of-technology/
INDUSTRY NEWS 26 / Gaming for Africa
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GrandWest Table Mountain Field Trip for Learners
GrandWest gave Grade 5 learners from Belhar Primary School the opportunity to attend a Class in the Clouds on Table Mountain.
18 Educators accompanied 182 learners from Belhar, Freedom Farm Informal Settlements, Delft, Ravensmead and surrounding areas. Valued at R110 000, the outing, courtesy of GrandWest Casino includes transport from the school, the five minute cable car ride up and down the Mountain, goodie bags with water bottles, lunch on the mountain and notebooks to record their adventure in.
Once on top of the mountain, the learners learned about the history and geology of Table Mountain, as well as the unique fauna and flora that forms part of the mountain’s rich biodiversity. The Table Mountain National Park is home to the richest floral site in the world
with over 2 200 different plant species, many of which are endemic to the area.
The Class in the Cloud programme is suited to field trips and outings themed around travel and tourism and brings geography and environmental studies to life in the most interactive way. “Cape Town represents one of the world’s smallest, but richest floral kingdoms by size, and many of the plants grow only on Table Mountain. The families of these children have probably lived in the shadow of the mountain for generations without ever making the trip to the top. For us it’s important to give them the chance to experience the sheer wonder of this world heritage site and natural wonder of the world. We know that they will find
the journey up the mountain and the incredible views from the top awe inspiring. This will be a class these children remember for the rest of their lives,” said Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager at GrandWest.
The school, which was established in 1977 to serve the communities of Belhar, this year enrolled 1110 children from diverse cultures. Principal Alistair Pedro said, “We are extremely grateful to GrandWest for giving these youngsters the incredible opportunity to experience the wonder of Table Mountain. It really was a sensory feast with the views, the smell of fynbos and the sounds of the birds. This is something that no class in a school can ever convey.”
28 / Gaming for Africa REGULATORY NEWS
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KZN Gaming Sector Collects R724m for Service Delivery
The KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board has collected a revenue of more than R724 million for service delivery, with more than 11 600 jobs being created for the citizens in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Siboniso Duma, revealed this during the recent 5th Gambling Regulators African Forum (GRAF) Conference held at Sibaya Casino in Durban.
The annual conference, which is attended by over 500 international and national delegates, offers a unique opportunity for regulators to exchange knowledge, collaborate on regulatory challenges, and shape the future of the African gambling industry.
Hosted by the department’s entity, KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board, this year’s conference taking place from 2 - 5 April 2024, is held under the theme, “Fostering Unity Towards a Coordinated Gaming Regulatory Framework for Africa”.
In his opening address on Wednesday, Duma emphasised the importance of the gaming sector in the province’s economy, noting that the industry invests more than R2 billion in the province.
Duma said the money has been allocated for various service delivery programmes, including roads construction; houses; and ensuring the provision of quality education, health, welfare services, water, and electricity.
“Companies that are involved in the gaming and betting sector have invested more than R2 billion towards the development of their facilities here in KZN. This has helped create jobs and stimulate other sectors of the economy such as tourism and construction.
“Importantly, through our entity, we regulate horseracing events such as the Durban July which is now called Hollywood Bet [which] has always been the country’s biggest race for years with more than R4.5 million in prize money and turnover of R140 million,” Duma said.
He added that various sectors of the economy have been benefiting for years with thousands of temporal and permanent jobs created.
Duma noted that due to COVID-19, jockeys have lost approximately R6.5 million monthly, including riding fees and winning stakes. The trainers have also lost approximately R3 million a month with their business reduced by 20%.
The MEC commended the stakeholders for working together to ensure the turnaround of the situation.
“The horse racing industry in general contributes
around R3 billion to the country’s GDP and about R800 million in taxes every year. The contribution of the industry to the local economy is R905 million [and] we want this contribution to increase year-on-year.
“We are also moving with speed to unleash talent in deep rural areas through traditional racing events, such as Dundee July and Umtelebhelo. These have become major events in the annual calendar which have attracted more than 70 000 tourists,” Duma said.
Duma said government is also working jointly with licenses to transform the horse racing industry.
“Hollywood Sportsbook Group and Gold Circle have collaborated with government in supporting grooms within the horseracing industry. We want to see young people becoming horse owners, horse trainers, horse breeders, jockeys, veterinarians and grooms.
“We wish to acknowledge this contribution not only here in KZN but in other provinces and neighbouring countries. It is my view that this investment is an indication that gaming and betting Industry was a mature and well-established industry before COVID-19,” Duma said.
INDUSTRY NEWS 30 / Gaming for Africa
Euro Games Technology continues its fruitful collaboration with Gaming IQ in Africa. After the large-scale installation in Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon several months ago, the Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment recently made another big delivery of more than 60 cabinets in the reputable Grand Leone Casino in Sierra Leone, the operator’s biggest establishment in Free Town. Thus, EGT became the main supplier of the casino, which currently has a total of 80 machines.
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Consolidates its Status as a Leader in Africa with a Major Installation at Grand Leone Casino in Sierra Leone
Its guests now have the chance to enjoy some of the most popular products in EGT’s portfolio. Among them are the top performers from Vega Vision Series , as well as the Premier Series bestsellers P 24-24 Up, P 27-27 St Slim and P 42V St Curved, which are among the most successful slot cabinets in the African markets. Super Premier also made its debut in the country, having demonstrated the same excellent performance as the other models. All machines are equipped with the well-known Collection Series multigames: Gold, Purple, Union, Orange,
Green and Fruits Collection, featuring some of EGT’s most popular titles on a global level. The players’ experience is complemented by the opportunity to try their luck with the well-established in the local markets Lady’s Cards and Premium Link jackpots. At their disposal are also several S-line terminals connected to a live and an automated roulette wheel and offering the latest multiplayer software of the company: King 3 and 4, Multiplay and Royal multigame mixes.
EGT’s casino management system Spider has been installed
in Sierra Leone for the first time. After the impressive results it showed at Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon , the operator decided to implement it here and it is already successfully assisting for the easy and efficient management of the daily activities in Grand Leone Casino as well.
“With this installation, EGT became the leader in Sierra Leone with 60% market share,” commented Lilia Georgieva, CEO of EGT
Tanzania . “We would like to thank our valued partners from Gaming IQ, who once
again chose to provide one of their top gaming locations with our products. I highly appreciate that they place their trust in us and I believe that we will fully meet the high expectations they have for us.”
Delcho Petrov from Gaming IQ also shared his positive feedback regarding the new collaboration with EGT: “We are extremely happy and grateful for achieving this project at the beautiful and reputable property of Grand Leone Casino. The property now offers two VIP Slot Areas and various gaming spaces
to accommodate each type of customer and has the highest footprint of slot machines in Sierra Leone. Our Collaboration with EGT has proven again a successful product delivery. We continue to strive for delivering quality and modern products and to develop the African casino market. We look forward to our upcoming projects in different countries and expanding our footprint.”
Pragmatic Play Seeks a Champiom in Heroic Spins
23rd May 2024 – Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, sets off on a valiant quest in Heroic Spins, where the game’s fearless protagonist wields expanding wilds to save the city and rescue the princess.
Monsters roam the reels in this 5x3 Slot. Whenever one or more wilds hit, they expand to fill the entire reel. If two or three wilds hit on the same reel before the expansion, all wilds in the expanded stack are given a 2x or 3x multiplier respectively.
Landing three or more scatters awards entry to the exciting bonus game. Before the round begins, players are transported to a fiery underworld where a wheel of fortune with two slices randomly awards up to 50 free spins and a 2x-100x win multiplier. During the feature, expanding wilds double in value, awarding multipliers of 2x, 4x or 6x depending on how many wilds triggered the expansion.
Heroic Spins is the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s award-winning Slots portfolio, following recent releases such as Starlight Princess Pachi, Fruity Treats, and Candy Blitz Bombs.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said : “Heroic Spins combines action and adventure with a hero’s helping of wilds, multipliers, and free spins. Our latest addition to the Pragmatic Play portfolio offers
ample rewards of up to 10,000x.”
Pragmatic Play currently produces up to eight new Slot titles a month, while also delivering Live Casino and Bingo games as part of its multi-product portfolio, available through a single API.
Transforming Lives, One Ticket at a Time
The National Lotteries and Gambling Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has announced a ground-breaking initiative that redefines the essence of playing the National Lottery in Uganda. This initiative, titled ‘Transforming Lives, One Ticket at a Time,’ marks a significant shift in how lottery revenues are utilized, ensuring that every ticket sold contributes directly to the betterment of our nation.
In an unprecedented partnership with ITHUBA UGANDA, the NLGRB is committed to ensuring that the National Lottery is more than just a game of chance—it’s a catalyst for positive change across the country. UGB says: “With every ticket purchased, players are not only given a chance to win life-changing prizes but are also making a direct contribution to the funding of critical public infrastructure projects, educational programs, healthcare services, and sports development initiatives. The “Transforming Lives, One Ticket at a Time” initiative is at the heart of our mission to serve as #ChangeMakers in our society. It embodies our commitment to leveraging the National Lottery as a powerful tool for social good.
By participating in the lottery, our players are directly supporting the development and prosperity of Uganda, making every play a step towards a brighter future. The collaboration with ITHUBA UGANDA ensures that a significant portion of lottery revenues is allocated to projects that have a lasting impact on the
welfare and quality of life of Ugandans. From building schools and hospitals to supporting the growth of local sports talent, the initiative is designed to touch every corner of our society, ensuring that the benefits of the
lottery are felt by all.
The National Lotteries and Gambling Regulatory Board and ITHUBA UGANDA invite all Ugandans to join us in this noble cause.”
34 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
3 Oaks Gaming to enter South Africa with Supabets
3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, is set to go live in the South African iGaming market through a partnership with leading operator, Supabets.
With this collaboration, 3 Oaks Gaming’s diverse portfolio of games will be accessible to players on Supabets’ online platform. Users will soon be able to enjoy a plethora of top-performing titles from the iGaming distributor.
Founded in 2008, Supabets has established itself as one of the premium brands in the region, providing its customers with a comprehensive range of sports betting markets and wide selection of casino games.
This latest news is set to reinforce 3 Oaks Gaming’s strategic vision for global expansion. Venturing into the African continent for the first time significantly broadens the supplier’s audience reach, signalling a new era of commercial growth.
Sebastian Damian, Managing Director of 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “This marks a pivotal moment for our company as we prepare for our content to seamlessly integrate with Supabets, enriching the gaming experience for South African players.
“We are confident that our games will leave a lasting impression, and we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead with our esteemed partner.”
Bavu Mpama, Head of Product at Supabets, said: “3 Oaks Gaming offers an extensive collection of slots that we believe will captivate and entertain our users. This collaboration is part of our commitment to continuously enhance our casino offering for our players.
“We’re poised to redefine the iGaming landscape in South Africa, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.”
New GM for Carnival City Casino
Bryan O’Connor has been appointed as General Manager at Sun International’s Carnival City Casino.
Bryan has been with Sun International in various fields for over 20 years, having worked across multiple properties, whe he has gained valuable experience in the leadership and management space. This gives him the experience needed to drive Carnival City to the next level in the Gauteng gaming market. Bryan replaces Annemie Turk, who has left the gaming industry.
36 / Gaming for Africa INDUSTRY NEWS
LIST OF S.A. GAMING LEGISLATORS & ASSOCIATIONS
GAUTENG
KWAZULU-NATAL
Ngubeni (Chief
Ms Sibusisiwe Ngubane (Chairperson)
Ms Portia Baloyi (CEO)
FREE STATE Mr Dhilosen Pillay (CEO)
Mr Dhilosen Pillay (Chairperson)
CASINO ASSOCIATION OF SA Adv. Themba Ngobese CEO
www.casasa.org.za (OUTSIDE SOUTH AFRICA DIAL 0927 – PLUS AREA CODE WITHOUT 0)
Botswana Gambling Authority www.gamblingauthority.co.bw
Ghana Gaming Commission www.gamingcommissiongh.com
GRAF
Gaming Regulators Africa Forum www.gamingregulatorsafricaforum.com
Kenya Betting Control & Licensing Board www.presidency.go.ke/index.php/betting-controland-licensing-board
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Tsoaranang Holdings
UmAfrika Technologies (Pty) Ltd (National Licence) (011) 997 4200 (011) 608 0030
Viscount Portfolio (Pty) Ltd
Viva Bingo (011) 314 1720 (011) 314 1811
Vukani Gaming Corporation (Pty) Ltd (011) 268 6420 (011) 268 6434
WMS Gaming Africa (National Licence) (011) 542 2760 (011) 314 6969
Malawi Gaming Board www.magla.org.mw
Tanzania Gaming Board www.gbt.go.tz
Uganda Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board www.lgrb.go.ug
WESTERN CAPE EASTERN CAPE NORTHERN CAPE FREE STATE KWAZULU-NATAL NORTH/WEST GAUTENG MPUMALANGA LIMPOPO PROVINCE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
AFRICAN GAMING REGULATORS &
Province Contact Telephone Fax Website NATIONAL Gambling BOARD Ms Caroline Kongwa (Accounting Authority) 010 003 3475 0866185729 www.ngb.org.za LOTTERIES BOARD Ms Charlotte Mampane (CEO) 012 432 1300 012 362 2591 www.nlb.org.za EASTERN CAPE Adv. Ncumisa Mayosi (Chairperson) 043 702 8300 043 748 2218 www.ecgbb.co.za Mr. Mabutho Zwane (CEO) 0437 028 300 0437 482 218 NORTHERN CAPE Mr Oompy Goeieman (Acting CEO) 053 832 0490 053 830 4838 www.ncgb.co.za Mr Dali Mjila (Chairperson) 053 832 0490 053 830 4838 WESTERN CAPE Mr Primo Abrahams (CEO) 021 480 7400 021 422 2603 www.wcgrb.co.za Ms. Althea Lapoorta (Chairperson) 021 480 7400 021 422 2603 NORTHWEST Mr Tiego Kgomo (Chairperson) 018 381 3215 018 381 4421 Mr. Nathan Oliphant (CEO) 018 381 3215 018 381 4421 www.nwgb.co.za
Mr
013 750 8000 013 750 8099 www.mer.org.za
(013) 750 8000 013 750 8099
Mr. Elijah
015 230 2300 015 295 3566 www.lgb.org.za Mr Gregory Makoko
015 230 2300 015 295 3566
ASSOCIATIONS
MPUMALANGA
Bheki Mlambo (CEO)
Mr. Mdoda Eric Mbhele (Chairperson)
LIMPOPO
Tijane (Chairperson)
(CEO)
Mr
011 581 4800 011 581 4900 www.ggb.org.za
Steven
Executive Officer) 011 581 4800 011 581 4900 www.ggb.org.za
Mxolisi Zwane (Chairperson)
Mr
033 345 2714 086 501 8126
www.kzngbb.co.za
033 345 2714 086
501 8126
051 404 0300 051 404 0322
www.fsgb.co.za
051 405 5483 051 875 2460
011 011 9032 +27(0)11 011
9091
COMPANY TELEPHONE FAX
27" FULL HD MONITORS
AUTOMATIC WINNING NUMBERS RECOGNITION
SINGLE OR DOUBLE ZERO
CASINO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT
AMERICAN
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ROULETTE
DirectLink with roulette wheel reading sensors