The South African iGaming market is on a remarkable growth trajectory, forecast to reach total revenue of approximately €64.9 million by 2028. SOFTSWISS, a leading iGaming software provider with 15 years of experience , shares the South African market report for free.
In light of the recent acquisition of Turfsport, a leading South African provider of betting solutions, the SOFTSWISS study offers first-hand practical experience.
The document explores peculiarities that distinguish South Africa, including provincial licensing, sports betting and gaming preferences.
Local licensing
Online gambling in South Africa is regulated by nine local regulatory bodies that operate under the framework of the National Gambling Board.
Each body is responsible for licensing various gaming 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 of Turfsport, adds: “While national legislation continues to ban interactive gambling across the country, several regional gaming councils have taken the initiative in recent years to expand fixed odds betting options.
This development has significantly increased the appeal of online betting, resulting in a sharp increase in iGaming revenue and gaming tax generation.”
Sports betting as key driver with high interest in eSports and fantasy gaming
Online sports betting continues to be one of the main drivers of the South African iGaming market. In 2024, the estimated volume of this sector is approximately €24.3 million out of a total of €51 million expected for the entire iGaming industry. iGaming.
At the same time, sports betting is experiencing a significant shift in player preferences and market dynamics.
For example, the popularity of horse racing has declined slightly, with younger audiences favoring other betting options. However, it remains a valued tradition among older generations.
eSports and fantasy sports betting 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 surpasses the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, India, Argentina, Mexico and Denmark.
SOFTSWISS: game preferences
As for content preferences, the recent explosive rise in “crash” games like Aviator highlights that South African audiences prefer simplicity and instant gratification.
However, traditional casino experiences also remain in demand. Operators responded by adapting conventional online casino gaming mechanics to comply with existing sports betting regulations.
These numbers-style draw games resemble classic casino offerings, but follow the legal framework as ‘betting events’.
With growing mobile internet penetration, more affordable data packages and widespread smartphone use, more people in South Africa are turning to mobile gaming.
This trend is particularly important because the majority of the population may not have regular access to computers. Operators must prioritize mobile-friendliness and user-friendly interfaces to effectively reach audiences.
Vitali Matsukevich, COO of SOFTSWISS, comments: “By sharing the SOFTSWISS market report, we emphasize our focus on the potential of the South African iGaming market.
With SOFTSWISS’ iGaming expertise and Turfsport’s local market knowledge, we are ready to effectively address specific needs and opportunities in South Africa.
The information in this report is key to guiding our strategies and ensuring our solutions are well aligned with the evolving South African iGaming landscape.”
Overall, the SOFTSWISS market report offers a comprehensive overview of iGaming in South Africa, from the historical context of the industry’s development to a detailed player profile and local trends.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company that provides software solutions for iGaming project management. The team of experts, which numbers more than 2,000 employees, is currently based in Malta, Poland and Georgia.
SOFTSWISS holds multiple gaming licenses and provides complete iGaming software solutions. In 2013, the company was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimized online casino solution.
