GAMING FOR AFRICA
Gaming For Africa
Casino International’s Africa partner is the excellent Gaming For Africa magazine, bringing you the continent’s latest developments
Sun International & TBCSA Welcome Easing of Lockdown Restrictions
Major African gaming operator Sun International and the TBCSA (Tourism Business Council of South Africa) have welcomed the move to Level 1 Covid Restrictions for South Africa, which includes opening of borders to international travelers, as well as increased operational hours for casinos.
With restrictions on inter-provincial and
international travel being lifted, new winds have been thrust in the sails of the tourism and hospitality industry. Months in lockdown have enabled the sector to prepare to operate at full capacity and has allowed for further measures to be put in place through comprehensive industry standard protocols that allow travellers and patrons to travel and eat safely.
Pronet enlists Schmidt to spearhead Africa expansion
Pronet Gaming has recruited Mark Schmidt as Director of Sales for Africa as it looks to accelerate growth across the region with its fully-customisable sportsbook, casino and omni – channel platform. Schmidt, who has more than 11 years’ experience in
the continent’s sports betting industry having held senior roles with leading regional B2C and B2B brands, will spearhead business development in the African region as Pronet Gaming look to accelerate their expansion into emerging markets. Bringing a thorough understanding of the local
market requirements and operating conditions, Schmidt joins Pronet Gaming from IMG Arena. In his role as Business Development Manager for MEA there he signed some of the region’s top tier names over the last three and a half years. His CV also includes a stint as Sportsbook Manager
for Hollywood Bets, which he held for four years. He was then appointed as Sales Manager for Betradar, playing an incremental role in the company’s regional growth. Having sharpened its focus on emerging markets,
SUN INTERNATIONAL “The move to level 1 lockdown restrictions is a relief, especially relaxing the curfew, permitting leisure facilities to allow 50% of capacity, and allowing larger gatherings from midnight on 20 September. This means our entertainment and conferencing facilities can begin to operate again,” said Graham Wood: Sun International Group COO Hospitality. “Our casinos have been trading since July but
the news that international borders will be gradually opened from 1 October is encouraging, as this gives greater clarity to the industry. The road ahead will not be easy but we can now plan for the recovery of the hospitality and conferencing segments of our business. This is especially important for our key properties such as The Palace, Sun City, The Table Bay Hotel, The Maslow Sandton, the Wild Coast Sun and The Boardwalk. Our Covid-19 health and safety protocols are firmly embedded in our operational procedures and we remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all of our customers and staff,” said Wood.
26 OCTOBER 2020
Pronet Gaming has significantly extended its reach into Africa in recent months, signing several high-profile deals with major sportsbook and casino brands. Mark Schmidt said: “Pronet Gaming is quickly
TBCSA The Tourism industry in South Africa supports 1.5m jobs and contributes 8.6% to the GDP and has suffered significant losses during this time, however the industry is ready for the challenge to revive South Africa’s economy, and rebuilding the industry. The timeous arrival of the new level will allow
the industry to take advantage of the peak holiday travel season and catapult its resuscitation. A win for travellers, suppliers and the entire tourism value chain. “We would like to call upon the industry to
come together, now more than ever as we work towards the recovery of our industry. We welcome the decision by the President and it further shows what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together, for a common goal. Let’s look to the future and continue to engage.” Said Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA.
making a name for itself across Africa with a local approach to doing business and products that meet the nuanced needs of individual markets. It is an exciting time to join the company as a result and I look forward to being a part of the next phase of its journey. Bobby Longhurst, Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“Given our fast-growing presence in Africa it’s fantastic to now have Mark at the helm of our regional expansion to bring in new commercial opportunities. “Having people on the ground is extremely important
in these markets and with his track record of growing businesses in the region I’m confident he’ll play an incremental part in our future.” Colin McDonagh, Chief Sales Officer at Pronet
Gaming, added: “I am delighted to have Mark as our new Director of Sales for Africa and am in no doubt that he will take us to the next level of success in the region. “He brings with him a wealth of local industry
expertise and has built up a reputable profile over the last 10 years in the industry through his professional, consultative and trustworthy approach to partnerships.”
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