The virtual session will bring together representatives from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, Jabula Bets, Legends Gaming and Management Solutions and SOFTSWISS to examine the costs, regulatory requirements and commercial factors operators need to consider when expanding into Africa.
SOFTSWISS will host a LinkedIn Live panel on September 24 at 14:00 CET, titled “Not a Cheap Bet: The Economics of Launch in the African iGaming Market” The session will explore the financial and operational realities of entering regulated iGaming markets across Africa.
The discussion will bring together representatives from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, operator Jabula Bets, consultancy Legends Gaming and Management Solutions, and SOFTSWISS, using South Africa as a practical case study to examine the factors that can determine whether a market entry strategy is commercially viable.
While Africa continues to represent a growth opportunity for iGaming operators, entry conditions can vary significantly between jurisdictions. Against this backdrop, the panel will address some of the key questions businesses face when assessing expansion across the continent.
Topics will include the actual cost of entering an African market, which jurisdictions may best fit different business models, how South Africa compares with other opportunities across the continent, and where investment should be prioritised to support long-term viability.
Perspectives From Operators, Regulators and Technology Providers
The panel will bring together different perspectives on market expansion, covering operator experience, consultancy strategy, regulatory compliance and technology implementation.
Mariia Halaida, Head of Business Development in Africa at SOFTSWISS, said that growth opportunities across the continent need to be assessed with an understanding of the specific characteristics of each jurisdiction.
“The continent isn’t a single market. Each jurisdiction presents different costs, regulatory frameworks, and commercial dynamics. This panel provides operators with the intelligence they need to evaluate whether and where African expansion makes commercial sense for their business,” Halaida said.
From a regulatory perspective, Vusi Mtsweni, CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, stressed that assessing a regulated market requires more than looking at its commercial potential.
“Entering any regulated market requires more than an assessment of its commercial potential. Businesses need to understand the regulatory environment, their compliance obligations and the broader responsibilities that come with operating in the market,” Mtsweni said.
He also highlighted responsible gambling, consumer protection and integrity as essential elements for sustainable growth across Africa’s iGaming sector.
The panel will be open to iGaming professionals through free registration, while industry participants can submit Africa-related questions in advance for the panellists to address during the live discussion.
SOFTSWISS is also making its “iGaming in South Africa” report available as additional market context, covering the structure of the South African market and its regulatory requirements.
