The
untapped possibilities and growing number of countries where gaming is
regulated in Africa has lead Betinvest to undertake a year of strategic,
in-depth market research and analysis into the “one of the most attractive
emerging markets” according to the company’s VP of Business Development,
Valentyn Kyrylenko.
The international sports betting solutions provider has spent the last year
since the inaugural edition of ICE Africa investigating the industry specifics
in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, the Congo, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
ahead of showcasing its new Online Gaming Platform for the region and leading
products from 2 -3 October.
“We’re aware of the huge potential that this region has,” Valentyn Kyrylenko
explained. “The African market is set to have an impressive future in gambling
and it’s great that Clarion Gaming is bringing together all the top gambling
and gaming providers in Johannesburg. This will help to develop the industry in
the region more quickly.”
With entry to ICE Africa being free in 2019, an even greater number of visitors
is expected at this year’s exhibition something which Kyrylenko hopes will
allow the Betinvest team to share their experience further and start strong new
working relationships. “Even though last year’s exhibition had an exceptional
turnout, we’re delighted Clarion took the decision to be a free event – by
doing so, they’re making their own contribution to the growth of the industry
in Africa.”
“As for our own contribution, we’re going to be driving the region forward with
our advanced products,” Valentyn Kyrylenko added. “It goes without saying that
our market penetration strategy relies heavily on high-profile events like ICE
Africa. This exhibition will give us more opportunities to develop the industry
in this region. Here, our entire audience – potential clients and partners – is
gathered together under one roof. Since we’re a provider of B2B products and
solutions for sports betting, these kinds of events give us a chance to meet,
in person, operators who are looking to start their own local businesses.”
Betinvest is keen to exhibit its new Online Platform to the African market
which has a customisable UI/UX website design, risk management and anti-fraud
tools and 24/7/365 customer service and customisable geolocation. “Our platform
can be deployed quickly, is light and has a responsive design, all of which
come together to give players a great experience on any device.
“When we talk about online services in Africa, we’re first and foremost talking
about using mobile phones. Due to the poor internet coverage across Africa, the
continent is best suited to land-based betting services. Moreover, the
countries’ regulatory frameworks are less prepared for regulating online
services. Nonetheless, the younger generation of sports bettors are more likely
to want to use mobile devices and mobile payment methods, and the internet
speed and coverage are gradually increasing every year.”
In light of this, the platform also includes a retail module highlighting how
fundamental Betinvest’s extensive research is to the platform in both its focus
and its target audience. “The retail module enables companies to open and
operate land-based betting services in Africa, a place where it’s particularly
important for operators to have a physical presence. We have, of course,
integrated a selection of Africa’s most frequently used payment methods too.”
Betinvest’s Pan-African focus will see the group meet with current partners and
use its research to best integrate with new operators where its offering is
best situated such as Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. “South Africa is the
clear leader in the African gambling industry. Nigeria is one of the most
developed countries in terms of dynamic economic growth,” continued Kyrylenko.
“Betting is becoming more and more popular among the younger, “digital” generation
and the middle class there. Kenya is also an appealing country to sports
betting operators. While 50% of the Nigerian population has access to the
internet, in Kenya it’s 80%. Most Kenyans place bets on football once a week,
which according to recent data, is more often than people in other African
countries.”
Valentyn Kyrylenko concluded: “As a B2B provider, we’re constantly working to
ensure that our service and our solutions meet the requirements of both
operators and players in whatever region we operate. At the exhibition, we’ll
be demonstrating both our well-established and our new solutions and software.
Everyone who visits our stand will be able to test our products for
themselves.”