GAMING FOR AFRICA
South Africa Named a Rising Power in 2025 iGaming Trends Report
market, bolstered by a 70% smartphone penetration rate.
• While regulatory complexities persist, strong digital adoption and a growing middle class position South Africa as an attractive hub for operators and investors. Published by SoftSwiss, the report leverages extensive data. Among many fi ndings, it outlines how technology, mobile adoption, and evolving consumer preferences shape the region’s future and present opportunities for operators and investors.
South Africa has been spotlighted as a rising star in the global iGaming sector, with the newly published iGaming Trends 2025 Report by SoftSwiss identifying the country as a critical growth market within the continent’s expanding industry.
THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NOTABLE TRENDS, INCLUDING: • R59.3 billion gross gambling revenue (2023-2024): A 25.7% year-on-year growth. • Sports betting accounted for 60.5% of the
According to the report, South Africa’s gross gambling revenue reached ZAR 59.3 billion in 2023-2024, marking a 25.7% year-on-year growth. Driving this growth is the dominance of sports betting, which accounted for 60.5% of the total market. South Africa’s high smartphone penetration rate of over 70% and the expansion of digital platforms have played pivotal roles in achieving this milestone. Mobile betting has become a cornerstone of the industry, providing operators with direct access to an increasingly digital-fi rst audience.
While the market demonstrates growth potential, it also faces challenges. Fragmented provincial regulations and a 15% VAT on betting transactions present operational complexities for businesses. However, these challenges have not deterred both global and local investors from contributing. The overall gambling market across the African continent is expected to reach ZAR 213 billion by 2032, with sports betting remaining the primary growth driver,
largely due to its accessibility and widespread popularity, particularly in football. In addition to South Africa, key contributors to this growth also include Nigeria, and Kenya. Max Trafi movich, Chief Commercial Offi cer at SoftSwiss: “South Africa is emerging as a key player in the iGaming sector, driven by strong digital adoption and a thriving sports culture. With increasing mobile penetration and a growing middle class, the market offers signifi cant potential for expansion, making it a welcoming sign for operators and investors alike.”
On a global level, the report describes over 15 major trends classifi ed into specifi c groups: technology, regulation, marketing, and business development. Prepared with the support of eight top industry brands, it presents fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the latest iGaming trends.
Pragmatic Play Takes Pole with Sponsorship of MotoGP Team Aprilia Racing
Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider to the iGaming industry, has entered the fast lane of motorsport by becoming the main sponsor of MotoGP team Aprilia Racing for the 2025 season. The sponsorship will see the leading supplier prominently featured on the Aprilia Racing team’s bikes, gear, and other promotional assets throughout the upcoming MotoGP season, with the fi rst race set to commence on 2nd March.
Aprilia Racing, the most successful European factory team in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship, is aiming to hit the ground running with its riders, Marco Bezzecchi and last year’s World Champion Jorge Martín. Partnering with Aprilia Racing brings Pragmatic Play closer to millions of fans worldwide. It also marks the award-winning provider’s second high-profi le brand sponsorship in recent months, following an agreement with iconic music festival
look forward to elevating the experience for fans worldwide”.
Tomorrowland Brasil late last year – a fi rst of its kind in the iGaming industry.
As the main sponsor of Aprilia Racing, Pragmatic Play is not only expanding its reach to new audiences across the globe, but it is also poised to provide fans with unique and immersive experiences both on and off the track. Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Offi cer at Pragmatic Play, said: “With its rich racing pedigree, relentless drive to succeed, and passion for entertainment, Aprilia Racing is the perfect brand partner for Pragmatic Play. We are delighted to announce this sponsorship and
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, said: “We are particularly pleased to welcome a new partner of the caliber of Pragmatic Play. This partnership represents the union of two companies that share the values of innovation, passion and the pursuit of excellence. The goal is to build a collaboration based on trust, innovation and a shared vision for the medium to long term”
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