The North West Gambling Board has officially granted Sunbet a license to operate as a bookmaker in the province, marking a significant expansion in the local gambling industry. This move is expected to bolster the provincial coffers through increased revenue collection, as South Africa continues to witness a substantial shift toward online betting.
In recent years, especially following the disruptions caused by COVID-19 shutdowns, there has been a marked increase in online betting. With many traditional gambling venues inaccessible during lockdowns, punters turned to digital platforms, resulting in a rapid growth of gambling and betting revenue across the country.
In stark contrast, the national revenue generated by traditional casinos, has seen a significant decline, accounting for only 37% of total gambling revenue in the 2022/23 fiscal year, down from a staggering 84% in 2010.
The introduction of Sunbet into the online betting space is anticipated to create new job opportunities, stimulate the provincial economy, and support small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through various platforms established under the licensing conditions.
While regulators still encourage responsible gambling, the convenience of online betting has become increasingly appealing, as greater access to the internet and the proliferation of smartphones allow punters to place wagers from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit physical locations.
In 2023, South Africa’s gambling industry reached a record-breaking R47.2 billion in revenue, driven largely by online betting, which accounted for more than half of the total revenue. The National Gambling Board’s latest annual report indicates that South Africans placed R418 billion worth of bets in the 2023/24 period, reflecting an impressive 80% increase from R233 billion in 2021/22.
Sunbet, in collaboration with the North West Gambling Board, is set to officially launch its services on December 4, 2024, at the prestigious Sun City Resort. The event will be attended by key dignitaries, including Honourable Bitsa Lenkopane, MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Acting Head of Department Relebohile Mafokane, North West Gambling Board Acting CEO Mr. Boitumelo Qalinge, and Executives of Sun International. This strategic partnership represents a promising step forward for both the local economy and the gambling industry, as Sun Bet seeks to capitalize on the growing trend of online betting in South Africa.
Sunbet CEO Simon Gregory said, “SunBet is delighted to partner with the North West Gambling Board to drive the expansion of the SunBet Business. Sun International has long been a significant partner of the North West province through our Sun City resort, and we are excited to develop our online business with the Gambling Board in this Province. The expansion will assist the province through the significant contribution Sunbet will make to the fiscus, as well as honouring our commitments to make a difference to the communities in the North West.”
ENDS