GAMING FOR AFRICA Strategic Investment to launch 888 Brand in Africa
888 Holdings has signed an agreement with five industry veterans to form a new joint venture that will operate 888 brands in online betting and gaming markets across selected regulated markets in Africa. 888 has invested in a minority stake in 888Africa,
with the option to increase this to take control and ultimately own up to 100 per cent of the venture in the future. 888Africa will be led by highly respected industry
leaders including Christopher Coyne, former chief marketing officer and chief customer officer at The Stars Group; Andrew Lee, former MD - sportsbook of The Stars Group and current chairman of Voxbet; Alex Rutherford, former chief product officer at Editec Online; Ian Marmion, former sportsbook trading director at The Stars Group; and Helen Scott-Allen, former CFO of Premier Bet. Under the terms of the agreement, 888Africa will
pay a brand licence fee to use and operate 888’s renowned online betting and gaming brands in selected regulated markets in Africa. The brands will operate via a third-party technology
platform, with products and content designed for the local preferences of the African market. Initially, 888Africa expects (subject to licensing) to launch in four markets on the continent during 2022. Itai Pazner, CEO of 888 Holdings Plc, commented: “We are very excited to establish 888Africa
alongside such an impressive roster of industry talent. The new JV will launch 888’s world-class online betting and gaming brands to millions of new customers in the exciting and fast-growing African online market. The structure of this deal enables the Group to invest in a strong business with high growth ambitions, without distracting focus from our core business and key strategic markets. We look forward to being a part of 888Africa’s journey as it grows its footprint and increases brand awareness, while also offering potentially significant long-term opportunities for the Group in the future.” Christopher Coyne, CEO of 888Africa, commented: “We are delighted to launch 888Africa alongside 888. With our team of experienced professionals and significant knowledge of the African markets, it is our ambition to build the business towards market-leading positions in selected regulated markets across the region. Partnering with 888 will give us access to a world-class brand, as well as a broad team of experts to support our growth plans, further enhancing our confidence in our future prospects.”
Mozambique’s Latest Casino Opens in Beira
Casino Marina has opened its second casino operation in Beira, Mozambique to much fanfare. The slots-only casino was officially opened by Casino Marina and Rank Entertainment Holdings CEO Asanga Warusavitharna who flew in from Sri Lanka especially for the occasion. Casino Marina Beira officially opened on
Saturday 19 March, and the event was attended by senior members of the Mozambique Gaming Board and other invited guests. The operation is situated at the Hotel Mozambique in the Baixa district of Beira City. “It is the second Casino Marina operation in the
city of Beira with the main casino being based at the Golden Peacock Resort Hotel. It is our first slots only operation. This is also the 4th Casino Marina operation to open in Mozambique making the group the largest casino operator in the country. We also have two new casino projects planned for Mozambique and three more planned for the African continent in Ivory Coast, Congo and Togo,” said Leon Benade, GM for Casino Marina Beira. The operation is split over two floors with the
bar, restaurant and reception area downstairs and the main and VIP slots areas as well as cash desk being on the second floor. The gaming floor offers over 40 machines plus an electronic roulette.
The slots floor showing machines and the electronic roulette
Meropa Casino Celebrates 20 Years of Operational Success
Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane celebrated its 20th birthday on 27 March, and gave guests the opportunity to win fantastic prizes, including R40,000 in Xtra play rewards on the day. Meropa, part of the Sun International group,
has been the heartbeat of Limpopo and is one of the star tourist attractions in the province, offering guests a Moroccan-style fiesta in the heart of South Africa’s northernmost province, famed for its abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery as well as rich cultural heritage. Meropa Casino General Manager, Sammy
Mokhele, who has been with the Sun International group for more than 20-years and who worked at the property at the time of its opening said: “It seems like just yesterday when we opened and it has been incredible to witness the growth, which is a testament to the vision and dedication of everyone who has been a part of the Meropa family over these past two decades.” Mokhele himself returned to Meropa as
General Manager in November 2020, having previously worked there as General Manager from 2008 to 2013, before moving to Sun City. His return to Meropa coincided with the
outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic but he and his team have managed to steer the ship through the turbulent waters as operations eventually resumed under strict operational protocols, including reduced guest capacity. “As we celebrated our 20th birthday, we
looked back over the years which have included the most trying of times as a result of the pandemic, with a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment and we look forward to an even brighter future.” According to Mokhele, Meropa is already the main entertainment destination in Limpopo but the property is not resting on its laurels and is intent on building out its “family entertainment facilities in order to cater for the growing leisure market in the province”. He said epic shows, the ability to host
functions, events and activations, as well as great casino prizes and giveaways, all form part of improving Meropa’s exceptional customer experience and services. The Meropa Casino and Entertainment World
From left to right, Kamal Athapattu (Casino Manager), Leon Benade (General Manager) and Heshan Gunarathna (Regional Slots Manager)
has quickly become a landmark all-in-one entertainment destination, building up a loyal following and attracting first-time visitors. The property offers both smoking and non-smoking casinos, with a wide range of slot machines and tables games including Blackjack and American Roulette.
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