BiG Africa Summit to highlight regional iGaming, regulatory developments

The BiG Africa Summit is set to highlight growth in the Southern African iGaming sector in its upcoming edition, to be held next month in Gaborone, Botswana. Organizer Eventus International has called the show "the premier platform to illuminate the region’s success stories and future opportunities."

Taking place February 17 - 20 at The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort, the summit will welcome senior decision-makers and industry innovators to discuss all the latest developments and the future of iGaming on the continent.
 
The show comes amid recent major developments in the Southern African iGaming and sports betting sector, which have highlighted both regulatory advancements and notable operator successes. Organizers listed a few of them:

South Africa

In South Africa, The Democratic Alliance (DA) introduced the RGB 2024 to regulate online gaming comprehensively. The bill proposes a provincial licensing system, regulates advertising, and mandates compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).

Judy Hermans, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition, also called for legislative reforms to address the unregulated iGaming market. Licensed operators reported a 41% surge in wagering activities during the first half of 2023/24, with sports betting dominating turnover.

It’s also worth mentioning that the success of South Africa’s sports teams – especially the Springbok rugby team's victory in the Rugby World Cup – has further stimulated interest and participation in sports betting.

Zambia

As of September 2023, the Zambian government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has developed a National Gaming and Lotteries Policy alongside a corresponding bill to establish a National Gaming and Lotteries Board. 

This development intends to create a more coherent regulatory environment to enhance oversight, align Zambia's gaming and lotteries sector with international standards, and enable responsible regulation of gaming activities.

Angola

In 2024, Angola's Council of Ministers approved a new gaming law designed to replace the existing 2016 legislation. This new law introduces a comprehensive framework for online gaming, including a licensing regime specifically for online operators, who will be allowed to apply for licenses valid for five years. 

This is expected to attract both local and international investment into the sector as it will simplify the regulatory framework and ultimately make it more accessible for new entrants.

Local operators are also making significant progress by rolling out innovative marketing campaigns and promotions that resonate with Angolan bettors. Apart from attracting new players, these efforts also boost player engagement through loyalty programs and bonuses tailored to local preferences. 

Those attending the upcoming BiG Africa Summit will discover some of these strategies for connecting with local audiences and boosting player retention across Southern Africa.

Botswana

In October 2024, the Botswana Gambling Authority awarded 16 new licenses to local companies, including 10 betting licenses and 6 limited payout machine licenses – reflecting a commitment to fostering growth within the sector and indicating a robust interest from local operators.
 
As Portia Gaone Diteko, Responsible Gaming Manager and Chairperson of the upcoming BiG Africa Summit, highlights, Botswana is evolving alongside many other Southern African countries in the iGaming space. 

This growth presents opportunities for professionals across various sectors of the industry, including software designers, operators, and regulators. "Attending this summit will expose Africa to those opportunities and allow people to actually make their mark," organizers said.

What to expect at the BiG Africa Summit 2025

The upcoming BiG Africa Summit promises an engaging lineup of expert-led discussions and networking opportunities with top decision-makers and other influential voices within the industry.

The event will provide attendees with insights on how to tailor their strategies to the African market’s diverse consumer base, regulatory landscape, and untapped growth opportunities.
 
Those interested in attending the event can register here.