Q&A: Anli Kotzé, COO at BetTech Gaming

eGaming Review (eGR): New regulation in South Africa has been continually delayed, is this new remote gambling bill the progress the country’s gaming market has needed?

Anli Kotzé (AK): The remote gambling bill will have a significant impact on the industry in South Africa. From casinos to betting shops, the country has a long-standing history of wagering and we have seen from the growth in online, and particularly, mobile sports betting, that the platform is in place for full-scale regulation. Many operators have been interested in the South African space and saw the entry point being sports betting with the ultimate aim to be in the game when remote gambling is legalised.

eGR: What kind of impact can you see the bill having?

AK: Many international operators will want to gain access to the untapped market. We’ve seen a number of operators in the past being interested in South Africa but with no certain timelines as to when remote gambling will be legalised there were not many who made the move. This has allowed some of the more forward-thinking domestic bookmakers to gain a head start but I would expect to see more global brands move in to the space if the bill is passed.

Fully legalising remote gambling will have many benefits. As we have seen elsewhere, it will enable the government to collect taxes and better protect players. Regulating the industry will remove the black market and create a level playing field.

eGR: As a supplier, do you consider it a good move that suppliers will also now need an egaming licence?

AK: Yes ““ suppliers play a vital role in the industry and it’s important to have certain standards to protect the operators and customers. Gaming licences provide the framework for those standards.

eGR: Can you see the market now opening up and welcoming new entrants?

AK: Many local operators have been in the industry for years in the offline environment, building up solid, trustworthy names and customer databases that they, no doubt, will look to leverage further by adding another product, besides sports betting, to their offering.

And it will definitely become a lot more attractive to potential new entrants. We will see not just overseas operators looking at South Africa in a new light, but also companies not normally linked with betting and gaming that are looking for new ways to exploit their brands.

eGR: How big can you see the casino vertical becoming in South Africa?

AK: Land-based casinos are by far the largest ‘product’ in the gambling market in South Africa ““ making up more than 70 percent of the total market. Annual casino growth plateaued at 10 percent compared to sports betting, which is 19 percent.

The legalising of remote gambling should see the casino industry gaining a fresh breath and matching, if not overtaking, sportsbook growth.

With so many established casino brands and land-based destinations having developed over the years, most of them will be applying for remote gambling licences. The hard work they have put in to grow strong brands will enable them to be at the forefront of being the trusted destinations for remote gambling.