SOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview

March 14, 2024

South Africa’s iGaming market is on a remarkable growth trajectory, set to reach a total revenue of approximately EUR 64.9 million by 2028. SOFTSWISS shares the South African market reportSOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview | SOFTSWISS

In light of the recent acquisition of Turfsport, a leading South African provider of wagering solutions, the SOFTSWISS report offers first-hand insights into the burgeoning iGaming market. The piece explores peculiarities distinguishing South Africa, including licensing by state, overview of sports betting, and gaming preferences.

Provincial Licensing

SOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview | SOFTSWISSnine provincial regulatory bodies which operate under the National Gambling Board’s framework. Each body is responsible for licensing various gambling activities, including online sports betting, in their provinces. Operators must understand the nuances and explore licensing options within each region’s regulatory framework.

Sports Betting As a Major Driver With High Interest in Esports & Fantasy Sports

In 2024, this sector's estimated volume is approximately EUR 24.3 million out of ~EUR 51 million expected for the whole iGaming industry. At the same time, sports betting is experiencing a notable shift in player preferences and market dynamics.

For example, the horse racing popularity has decreased slightly, with younger audiences favouring other betting options. However, it remains a valued tradition among older generations and those with discretionary spending power.

Esports betting and fantasy sports are growing segments within the South African market. According to Statista (2021), 51% of South African survey participants are interested in betting on esports, and 39% express interest in playing fantasy sports for money. In this aspect, South Africa outperforms the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, India, Argentina, Mexico and Denmark.

Gaming Preferences

Regarding content preferences, the recent explosive rise of ‘сrash’ games such as Aviator underscores that the South African audience prefers simplicity and instant gratification. However, traditional casino experiences also remain in demand.

Operators have responded by adapting conventional online casino game mechanics to comply with existing sports betting regulations. These numbers-style draw games resemble classic casino offerings but adhere to the legal framework as 'betting events'.

With the increasing mobile internet penetration, more affordable data packages, and widespread smartphone usage, more people in South Africa are turning to mobile gaming. This trend is particularly noteworthy because most people may not have regular computer access. Operators should prioritise mobile compatibility and user-friendly interfaces to reach the audience effectively.

Sharing the SOFTSWISS market report, we emphasise our focus on the South African iGaming market’s potential. With SOFTSWISS’ expertise in iGaming and Turfsport’s local market knowledge, we are set to effectively address the specific needs and opportunities in South Africa. The insights from this report are instrumental in guiding our strategies and ensuring that our solutions are well-aligned with the evolving landscape of South African iGaming.

Vitali Matsukevich

COO at SOFTSWISS

Overall, the iGaming in South Africa market overview offers a comprehensive report on the growing online real money wagering industry in South Africa, providing everything from a historical context to a detailed player profile and local trends.

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