International Game Technology (IGT) PlayDigital has entered South Africa’s online gambling market through a content partnership with Hollywoodbets, as international suppliers continue to expand into one of Africa’s largest regulated betting markets.
Under the agreement, Hollywoodbets will launch an initial portfolio of 20 IGT PlayDigital games, including Cash Eruption, Cleopatra and Mystery of the Lamp Treasure Oasis. The rollout gives IGT PlayDigital its first significant presence in South Africa through one of the country’s largest online betting operators.
The move comes as South Africa’s gambling industry continues to shift towards digital betting. The National Gambling Board reported that gross gambling revenue reached R59.3 billion ($3.60 billion) during the 2023-24 financial year, up 25.7 per cent year-on-year. Betting generated R35.9 billion ($2.21 billion), or 60.5 per cent of industry revenue, while casino revenue remained largely flat.
South Africa draws international gaming suppliers
South Africa has become an increasingly important market for international gaming companies as online betting continues to outpace traditional casino gambling.
According to the National Gambling Board, more than R1.1 trillion ($66.8 billion) was wagered across the country’s gambling industry during the 2023-24 financial year, with betting accounting for the largest share of activity. The regulator said betting revenue has continued to grow, driven largely by online and mobile wagering.
More recent figures published by the South African Reserve Bank, using National Gambling Board data, show the trend has continued. Betting represented 69.8 per cent of gross gambling revenue in the 2024-25 financial year, compared with 22.3 per cent for casinos, while online betting generated more than 85 per cent of total betting revenue.
The market has attracted increasing interest from international content suppliers seeking partnerships with established local operators rather than entering directly.
Hollywoodbets expands its casino offering
The agreement will see Hollywoodbets integrate an initial selection of IGT PlayDigital games into its online casino platform.
The operator, which has one of the largest online customer bases in South Africa, continues to expand its digital casino portfolio alongside its sportsbook offering. Adding internationally recognised slot titles broadens the range of games available to local players.
Gil Rotem, CEO of IGT PlayDigital, said the partnership marks the company’s entry into South Africa as part of its wider international expansion.
“Expanding into South Africa marks an exciting milestone for IGT PlayDigital as we continue to grow our global footprint. Collaborating with Hollywoodbets allows us to bring a proven portfolio of high-performing, player-favourite titles to a dynamic and rapidly evolving market.”
Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, said the addition of titles including Cleopatra and Cash Eruption strengthens the operator’s online casino offering and supports its strategy of expanding its content portfolio.
African expansion remains a priority
The partnership reflects a broader trend of global suppliers increasing their presence across regulated African gambling markets through local operator partnerships.
Rather than launching independently, international suppliers are increasingly working with established operators that already have licensed platforms and sizeable customer bases. South Africa remains one of the region’s key entry points because of its mature regulatory framework, established betting sector and growing demand for online gambling content.
For IGT PlayDigital, the agreement provides access to a market where digital betting continues to drive industry growth. For Hollywoodbets, it expands the operator’s casino catalogue with internationally recognised games as competition among online operators continues to increase.
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