The popularity of online gaming is not limited to Europe, Asia, and Australia alone. It is also sweeping across Africa, especially South Africa. The number of participants after the pandemic has reached an all-time high and keeps increasing. As a result, South Africans account for a percentage of players that use international gambling websites.
The National Gambling Act 7 of 2004 is the regulation that guides gaming in South Africa. It allows the operation of iGaming in the 9 provinces of the country. It gives European online casinos access to establish their business in this environment. Furthermore, it is easier for gamblers in this country to play on platforms that accept UK players. If you are a business person in the iGaming industry, here is a guide on how to build your own company in South Africa.
Steps To Start A IGaming Business In South Africa
Starting your iGaming outfit in this African country requires you to take some steps. It is important you critically analyze each of them to ensure a successful business venture. Each of these steps is highlighted below.
Start With A Market Survey
The secret to a successful entrepreneurial project lies in the ability to study the market and take advantage of it. The same is applicable when venturing into iGaming in South Africa. Since gambling is legalized in the country, people have access to all UK casino sites where they play to win real money. It is safer for them to play on these platforms due to the numerous benefits attached. You must analyze some factors necessary for your business to mirror these exceptional platforms. They are:
- Target market.
- Targeted demography and their gaming preference.
- Competitors and potential oppositions in the market.
- Budgeting and finance.
All of the above must be first reviewed before any other step. The report of the analysis will aid your brand design and business.
Seek Licensing
License plays a vital role in the gambling industry. Starting your own gaming business in South Africa will require you to be licensed. First, you must seek government approval, after which you can then go ahead to adopt any of the reputable licenses in the industry. You should consider getting licensed by any of the following bodies;
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
- Malta Gaming Authority.
- Curaçao Gambling Commission.
While the above seems like the most reputable licensing bodies, there are others you can consider. However, you must be sure anyone you are going for is permitted in the country.
Choose The Best Providers
Having gotten your license, the next thing is to select your software provider. Even for video games in South Africa, some players have biases about the game developers before they select their choice. You must seek to adopt games from providers that are considered reliable and develop fair ones, especially for slots. Below are brands you can consider for different categories of games.
| Games | Providers |
| Slots | Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Real Time Gaming, and Bally Technologies. |
| Table games | Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, IGT, and Red Tiger Gaming. |
| Live games | Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech. |
Build The Best Of Websites
There is a role your site plays in ensuring the business of iGaming in South Africa thrives. You should hire a good web developer to build a state-of-the-art website. It must be mobile responsive, which aids mobile casino games playing for people who don’t own a PC or won’t use one. Average players will rather play on their handheld devices, which are faster than using their laptops or personal computers.
Likewise, you must ensure that the website is secured with high-end encryption tools. Security is a major concern for many players who play for real money. You can also provide a downloaded app that can be installed on devices for faster access to games like slots, roulette, and card games.
Use The Most Favorable Payment Methods
On how to start your own company providing iGaming service in South Africa, another concern should be payment methods. There are banking options that are unfavorable for players in Africa, and you don’t want to use them. During your market survey, identify the best payment options and integrate them into your website.
More so, now that cryptocurrency is one of the most popular payment options, you can permit it for transactions in your casino. Now, video games in South Africa allow players to play with and earn bitcoins. As such, you can also make deposits and payout possible using any of the popular cryptocurrencies.
Offer Exciting Incentives
Since you are just starting off your business, you must try as much as possible to attract players. One of the ways to do this is by offering exciting incentives. A mouth-watering bonus offer will make people consider your brand over other options. You can start with matchup bonuses, free spins, jackpot games, instant withdrawal options, cash backs, low minimum deposits, high wagers bonuses, and other possibilities not available on competitors’ platforms.
Final Words
Starting the business of iGaming in South Africa is a good idea. It is a favorable environment and the right market for such ideas. Nonetheless, business thrives on the implementation of the right strategies. If you are looking for how to start your own company and can apply all of the above recommendations, then you are a step away from creating the next big iGaming outfit in Africa.
