GAMING FOR AFRICA
Gaming Realms enters South Africa with Hollywoodbets
Gaming Realms, a leading provider of mobile- focused gaming content, has boosted its global footprint after making its debut in South Africa with leading operator Hollywoodbets. Gaming Realms’ diverse portfolio of Slingo titles is now available to local players, including games developed through the provider’s unique IP and brand partnerships, such as Slingo Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania, Slingo Sweet Bonanza and Slingo Xxxtreme.
Hollywoodbets is one of South Africa’s largest betting and gaming brands, with both land- based and online operations, and an established customer base. The integration with Gaming Realms was done through Hollywoodbets’ local aggregation partner Light & Wonder. The partnership marks Gaming Realms’ fi rst foray into the African region and follows other recent market entries that have seen the company signifi cantly enhance its global reach. The company is now live in over 30 regulated markets with plans to expand further in 2026, including in Africa.
Gareth Scott, Chief Commercial Offi cer at Gaming Realms, said: “Adding new regulated markets is imperative as we continue to cement our position as a leading supplier of unique and engaging content.
“Entering South Africa together with such a
Malawi Regulator Moves to Steady Market After 15% Winnings Tax Shift
prominent partner as Hollywoodbets is a signifi cant signal of intent and we have great ambitions to make the African region a key focus for Gaming Realms, as it offers great potential and an opportunity to reach completely new audiences.”
Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, said: “Gaming Realms is a provider that truly brings something unique, and we are excited to be the fi rst operator to introduce Slingo and their wider game portfolio to players in South Africa.
“Their Slingo content appeals to a wide player demographic, blending the best from slots and strategy, and we have already seen it really resonate with our customers.”
Sun Times Square Casino GM Retires
After serving Sun International with dedication and distinction for 38 years, Ruben Gooranah will be retiring at the end of April 2026.
Ruben is a highly experienced gaming and hospitality executive, with a career spanning nearly four decades in senior leadership roles across the Group.
He joined Sun International in 1988 at Venda Sun and has since built a long and varied career, working at several of units including Venda, Amatola, Mmabatho, Thaba’Nchu, Morula, GrandWest, and Central Offi ce, where he served as Regional General Manager – Casinos, overseeing multiple casino and hotel operations and acting as an Executive Director on several casino boards. His earlier roles included Business Manager – Gaming, where he led the national rollout of the Bally EGS system, General Manager of Morula Sun, and Slots Manager at GrandWest. Most recently, Ruben served as General Manager of Time Square, a role he has held since 2020. Refl ecting on his career, Ruben shared: “I have had an amazing career at Sun International and the opportunity to work with great people, lead passionate teams, and operate in a truly exciting industry. I have always believed in teamwork and empowering people to reach their true potential.
The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has moved swiftly to engage leading betting operators following the introduction of a 15% tax on all player winnings — one of the most signifi cant fi scal adjustments the country’s gambling sector has seen in recent years. The new measure, enacted under the Taxation (Amendment) (No. 2) Act and effective 31 December 2025, eliminates previous tax-free thresholds and increases withholding tax on gambling winnings from 10% to 15%. The immediate impact has raised concerns among both operators and players about potential pressure on margins, payout structures, and overall market stability.
In response, MAGLA has launched consultations with major operators including Betway, betPawa and Premier Bet to assess operational implications and broader market effects.
Director General Rachel Mijiga framed the engagement as part of a coordinated approach, noting that insights gathered from operators will inform discussions with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to strike a balanced outcome for government, investors and consumers. The regulator’s consultative stance appears designed to mitigate risks such as reduced player participation or migration toward unregulated platforms — a common concern when tax burdens increase.
At the start of the year, Mijiga projected 60% sector growth in the upcoming fi nancial period, alongside continued responsible gambling awareness initiatives. George Partridge, Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, has also participated in the discussions, emphasising evidence-led policymaking and structured industry dialogue.
Seeing people grow within Sun International and live out their passion will always stay with me.” He was widely respected for his practical leadership style, strong commercial focus, and commitment to developing people. In retirement, Ruben looks forward to spending more time with his wife Doreen, playing golf, and visiting family in Mauritius.
“Thank you, Ruben, for your exceptional contribution, leadership, and commitment to Sun International. We wish you everything of the best in this new chapter,” said the group in bidding him a fond farewell.
Consultation is unfolding in parallel with enforcement. In December 2025, MAGLA destroyed 24 illegal gaming machines valued at approximately K20 million (€9,736), reinforcing its compliance drive. The authority has simultaneously expanded responsible gambling training requirements for licensed operators. As Malawi transitions into the higher tax environment, the regulator’s blend of consultation, enforcement, and public education will be closely watched. The outcome will likely shape market resilience, investor confi dence, and the long-term trajectory of the country’s regulated gambling ecosystem — and could offer a reference point for other emerging African markets navigating fi scal reform.
MARCH 2026 27
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