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NSoft on iGaming industry in Africa: Raising the stakes in Africa

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NSoft on iGaming industry in Africa: Raising the stakes in Africa
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

The African continent is the future of the global economy in every aspect and the rising star in the iGaming industry.

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under 25 years old by 2050. It is a diverse region offering human and natural resources that have the potential to yield inclusive growth in the area, enabling Africans across the continent to live healthier and more prosperous lives.

“Today, we can proudly say that NSoft has a footprint across the globe with 150+ of customers worldwide. NSoft’s rich experience in retail is certainly an important asset for the African markets due to the popularity of land-based betting operators and preferences of its players,” explains Marko Džoić, NSoft’s Regional Sales Manager for the African market.

Africans are very enthusiastic about sports, and the interest in sports betting as well as online games is fast growing with the expansion of mobile internet connectivity. According to recent research on Africa’s betting market, the sports betting industry was estimated to be worth $ 37 billion in 2018 and could reach near $100 billion during this century. Roughly 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 are involved in active sports betting. On average, these punters spend around 3,000 Naira (about $15) every day on bets.

“Despite the issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, most African countries have managed to boost betting worth even in 2020, and that growth will continue this year since we’ll have more sport events combined with much better access to the internet. We are very optimistic, adds Marko.

 

Opening new markets in Africa

Africa is the rising star in the iGaming industry and a high-growth market for which the understanding of new technologies is essential for future development. Beyond developing games and applications, NSoft must comply with the regulations, tax policy, and follow security protocols. This varies from country to country. The number of African countries adopting a regulatory framework is on the rise, which is crucial to the industry.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa had most of the gambling revenue in the land-based betting business, but due to all of the restrictions caused by lockdowns, now we can clearly see a growth of the online channel. There is an increased number of Africans moving from USSD and SMS betting to standard online betting as we have in markets across Europe and Asia,” stated Marko.

Ethiopia is the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, home to more than 100M people, and it was the next step for NSoft.

Commenting on opening a new market in Ethiopia, Marko adds: “As a result of good market research and recognizing the potential of the Ethiopian market, we signed the first retail agreements in Ethiopia back in September 2019. Since the internet penetration was very low, we focused on the land-based that is supported with our amazing Web-code generated option for boosting retail business. That was the right move to do, and now we see first clients that are going completely online. My colleague Davor Konjevod is leading Ethiopian clients, and currently, we are working on new projects that will definitely establish us there as the market leaders.“

 

Doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns encouraged NSoft to strengthen its online presence.

Explaining the power of NSoft’s unique retail solutions combined with our online presence, Marko emphasizes: “Today, one year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global level, we have managed to sign new retail deals in Madagascar, Swaziland, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. Hopefully in June, I will be visiting DR Congo to sign new contracts. All of this is the result of dedicated teamwork between our Sales and Development divisions. We’re working on products that are rising stars in Africa – draw-based games like Lucky 6 and our amazing comprehensive Sportsbook software solution, including Pre-Match Betting and Live Betting.

Marko added that many NSoft’s clients aim to transition from retail to other channels during the collaboration.

“We are making that transition possible. I hope to see very soon the first tickets played in the last few African countries where we don’t have our presence now,” Marko concluded.

 

Stepping up with satellite stream solution

Africa’s low internet speed coverage represents one of the main issues for betting operators around the continent. This has led to NSoft adjusting its products for the satellite stream solution. The fast delivery of its top tier product, draw-based game Lucky Six, through satellite streaming has made this game now available even in locations with low internet speed and poor connection, such as Africa. This solution is an answer to growing customers needs in retail who are facing troubles with an internet connection. The satellite stream is performed via shared channel and with no additional fee for the satellite steam service. Operators’ investment is at a minimum and only requirements are a satellite dish antenna and a receiver.

Plans for the future – converting land-based to mobile

While the African gambling market was dominated by land-based betting operators so far, the number of online players has been growing quickly with the spread of smartphones and mobile data coverage. One of the pillars of NSoft’s constant progress is listening to our clients, which gives us important feedback and helps us make new better products as well as update existing ones to keep our clients and punters satisfied.

Marko adds: “Clients not only give us their opinion on the products, but they also serve as a bond between NSoft and punters. Where there is a market gap, we are here to listen and develop something new. This was the case with our Lightning games – a new category of virtual games offered in our portfolio. NSoft’s most desirable games Lucky Six and Roulette have been totally revamped and adapted for web and mobile usage. They are easy to play, fast as lightning and provide the possibility for players to win big. More and more Africans are discovering the joys of sports betting on the move and they will surely do the same with online casino games.”

Africa

BetConstruct Secures Prestigious Best Online Sportsbook Provider Award at SiGMA Africa 2024

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BetConstruct, a leading force in the online gaming industry, has been awarded the Best Online Sportsbook Provider at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to BetConstruct’s commitment to delivering unparalleled sports betting experiences.

The SiGMA Africa Awards 2024 brings together industry leaders and pioneers, recognising those who push the boundaries and contribute significantly to the sector’s advancement.

BetConstruct is transforming the online gaming industry with a focus on customer-centric solutions and consistent excellence. Boasting a wide-ranging portfolio of sports betting and gaming products, BetConstruct is recognised as an essential partner in the global market, dedicated to enhancing both user experience and partner satisfaction. The Best Online Sportsbook Provider award celebrates not just the company’s historical achievements but also its ambitious future endeavours.

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Africa

Next Brazil on the Horizon? SOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview

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Next Brazil on the Horizon? SOFTSWISS Unveils South African iGaming Market Overview
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

South Africa’s iGaming market is on a remarkable growth trajectory, set to reach a total revenue of approximately EUR 64.9 million by 2028. SOFTSWISS, a leading iGaming software provider with 15 years of experience, shares the South African market report at no charge.

In light of the recent acquisition of Turfsport, a leading South African provider of wagering solutions, the SOFTSWISS report offers first-hand practical experience. The piece explores peculiarities distinguishing South Africa, including provincial licensing, sports betting, and gaming preferences.

Provincial Licensing

Online gambling in South Africa is governed by nine provincial regulatory bodies which operate under the National Gambling Board’s framework. Each body is responsible for licensing various gambling activities, including online sports betting, in their provinces. Operators must understand the nuances and explore licensing options within each region’s regulatory framework.

Christian Neuberger, CEO at Turfsport, adds: “While national legislation continues prohibiting interactive gaming nationwide, several provincial gaming boards have taken the initiative in recent years to expand fixed odds betting options. This development has significantly enhanced the appeal of online betting, resulting in a sharp increase in iGaming revenue and the generation of gaming taxes.”

Sports Betting as a Major Driver with High Interest in Esports & Fantasy Sports

Online sports betting remains a major driver of the South African iGaming market. In 2024, this sector’s estimated volume is approximately EUR 24.3 million out of ~EUR 51 million expected for the whole iGaming industry. At the same time, sports betting is experiencing a notable shift in player preferences and market dynamics. For example, the horse racing popularity has decreased slightly, with younger audiences favouring other betting options. However, it remains a valued tradition among older generations and those with discretionary spending power. 

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

Gaming Preferences

Regarding content preferences, the recent explosive rise of ‘сrash’ games such as Aviator underscores that the South African audience prefers simplicity and instant gratification. However, traditional casino experiences also remain in demand. Operators have responded by adapting conventional online casino game mechanics to comply with existing sports betting regulations. These numbers-style draw games resemble classic casino offerings but adhere to the legal framework as ‘betting events’.

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

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

Overall, the SOFTSWISS market report offers a comprehensive overview of iGaming in South Africa, from the historical context of industry development to a detailed player profile and local trends. 

 

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, the Affilka affiliate tracking platform, Sportsbook Platform, and Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

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Africa

SOFTSWISS Takes Responsible Gaming Award at SiGMA Africa

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SOFTSWISS Takes Responsible Gaming Award at SiGMA Africa
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

SOFTSWISS, a tech company with over 15+ years of experience in iGaming, celebrates its success at the SiGMA Africa Awards, triumphing in the Responsible Gaming category. 

SOFTSWISS’ ethical philosophy revolves around the “player comes first” principle, meaning the company is committed to responsible gambling practices. This commitment is conveyed through the dedicated departments on two levels, serving the needs of both operators and players.

SOFTSWISS Managed Services stands at the forefront of promoting responsible gaming practices. The department offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to act as a reliable bridge between operators and players, guaranteeing a smooth gaming journey. Providing such essential services as First Line Support, Anti-Fraud Support, VIP Player Support, Player Retention and Reactivation, and Content Management, SOFTSWISS Managed Services significantly elevates the growth trajectory of iGaming brands.

During ambiguous situations, dedicated specialists spot technical errors, provide fraud protection for clients, engage with players directly, and find effective resolutions to each unique issue. In 2023, the Anti-Fraud team helped operators save more than 13 million euro. The team effectively handled over 100 thousand different cases and 200 player complaints.

In communication, SOFTSWISS employs a segmented approach, delivering customised content to different player groups and maintaining a personalised send schedule. This strategy minimises unsubscribe rates (around 0.1%) and ensures ethical and friendly communication, fostering a trusting atmosphere with players.

Artyom Rudakov, Head of SOFTSWISS Managed Services, adds: “To make anti-fraud and suspicious activity prevention even more efficient, we are developing a proprietary Risk Scoring Tool, which is set to revolutionise gaming issues identification. The solution does not just analyse but uses machine learning algorithms to intervene proactively, identifying potential problems in real time for a safer gaming environment.”

Constant personnel development and education are a solid basis for ensuring the best industry practices. Over 90% of the Anti-Fraud team hold certificates on responsible gaming from different institutions such as GameCare, Gaming Operations Academy, Sustainable Interaction, and iGaming Academy.

 

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

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