People & Lifestyle
What is the state of play with iGaming in South Africa?
In September 2020, the iGB Africa Report revealed that some of the leading players in the African iGaming market were multi-market operators. South Africa attracted the likes of Powerbets and Betway to its country, with the latter operating its own ‘Betway Africa’ offshoot that spans the most influential nations for online gambling in the continent.
Mathew Symmonds of Web Analysis Solutions, described Africa’s iGaming industry as “not one of the priorities” for “many European bookmakers”. However, that may be because of a string of “local heroes” within each nation’s market, according to SB Betting’s chief operating officer Michal Glowacki. Glowacki believes that many intercontinental iGaming operators have mostly “failed” to resonate in sub-Saharan nations in the same way as the western world.
One of the biggest reasons that local operators continue to thrive ahead of more established overseas iGaming operators is the cultural divide. Every African nation has its own cultures and traditions and too many of the larger intercontinental brands overlook the importance of resonating directly with locals. Yellowbet’s managing director Neil Wilkie says that bettors in African nations “only know what’s going on in [their] own immediate vicinity”. Wilkie used the example of bettors in Tanzania not being fussed about playing a slot’s “jackpot being linked to other African countries”.
It’s a very similar story in South Africa, with many of the most popular and reputable online casinos being those founded within the nation’s borders rather than offshore arrivals. The flourishing nature of local casino operators is aided by the growing importance of online directories that help to pinpoint the positive traits of operators and rank them accordingly in lists of the best online casinos in South Africa. This not only gives consumers a good handle on the safest and most reputable platforms to play, but it also drives operational standards among the casinos themselves to strive to maintain their solid rankings.
There is plenty of time for iGaming technology to mature in South Africa
One of the main reasons that there is such optimism surrounding the iGaming scene in South Africa – and indeed elsewhere in the continent – is the growing percentage of the young generation. While this has developed in the news and over the last years, almost half of the entire African population is due to be under the age of 25 by 2050. This means that the concept of immersive, state-of-the-art iGaming technology will capture the imagination of bettors of legal age. Increased accessibility to iGaming platforms – through growing mobile penetration – also suggests that subsectors of iGaming are likely to flourish in South Africa and beyond too.
Online sports betting is sure to take flight, with established European online sportsbook Betway demonstrating how intercontinental operators can successfully onboard African customers across multiple gang verticals – online casino, sports betting and eSports betting too. According to Zimbabwesituation.com, almost a quarter (24%) of all iGaming revenue in South Africa is already generated from sports betting. The penetration of smartphone and tablet devices is also going to reap dividends for operators that deliver fully responsive gaming experiences across all platforms. By 2018, mobile penetration in the continent had hit 80%, so it’s clear that the appetite for mobile iGaming will continue. Particularly as the continent evolves into an increasingly younger, tech-savvy demographic.
Perhaps the biggest challenge awaiting the iGaming operators of South Africa and those elsewhere in Africa is delivering safe and responsible gambling experiences. Steering players away from ‘black market’ operators that offer unlicensed and unregulated games leaves too many people at risk of problem gambling and unfair gaming.
The likes of the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) are a prime example of a regulatory body that’s seeking to control and regulate online gambling within the Province of the Western Cape. The more regulatory bodies in South Africa, the better. It will be easier for legitimate sites to flush out those simply seeking to prey on the vulnerable.
Although, more regulatory bodies and individual jurisdictions within South African Provinces also brings its own challenges. Sean Coleman, CEO of the South African Bookmakers Association, said that the jurisdictions in each South African Province have “their own status”, which means that for “suppliers of product” each game is tested and regulated differently within the country. Coleman believes that “national norms and standards” are imperative to create a unified approach to iGaming that can futureproof its industry and economic benefit.
People & Lifestyle
Delta to serve Ghana with new Airbus A330-900neo
Delta Air Lines will fly its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo on nonstop service from Accra to New York-JFK effective 27 October 2024. The new aircraft will add approximately 30% more capacity between Ghana and the United States.
Speaking to journalists at a media roundtable in Accra, Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India, said, “Delta has worked to deliver an enhanced travel experience in Ghana. We look forward to welcoming customers onboard our A330-900neo aircraft come October, offering exciting new products and services as they travel to and from the United States.”
Matteo used the opportunity to express his gratitude to Delta’s customers, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the government of Ghana for their continued partnership.
The brand-new A330-900neo aircraft will add nearly 1,000 more seats each week between Ghana and the U.S. It offers four distinctive experiences – Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin – and more cargo capacity to cater for growing demand.
Customers can expect Delta’s best-in-class service and a uniquely premium onboard experience as they travel to and from the U.S. Each Delta One Suite features a sliding door for enhanced privacy, the luxury of a fully reclining seat, accompanied by plush bedding crafted from recycled materials. Delta One customers can also enjoy more beverage options and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal.
Meanwhile, customers flying in Delta Premium Select will have more space to relax and stretch out, with a wider seat, deeper recline, an adjustable footrest and leg rest. Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin passengers benefit from comfortable, memory-foam seats.
All travelers will enjoy ambient lighting for a restful flight, Wi-Fi for purchase, and seat-back screens featuring 1,000+ hours of Delta Studio entertainment. Delta collaborates with diverse suppliers worldwide for in-flight products such as artisan-crafted amenity kits and beverages like Thrive Farmers Tea.
Delta continues to maintain its reputation for operational excellence. The airline has consistently been recognized for excellence in passenger experience, customer service, operational performance, and workplace culture. Recent achievements include winning Cirium’s Platinum Award for operational excellence for the third consecutive year, OAG’s most on-time airline, Air Transport World’s Airline of the Year 2024, and the Wall Street Journal’s top U.S. airline.
People & Lifestyle
A Powerful and Emotional Experience – “In the Pants of a Woman” – By Beatrice Shine Ayroe
People & Lifestyle
Short films and La Cinef Jury and selections of the 77th Festival de Cannes
Flanked by Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, Paolo Moretti, Claudine Nougaret and Vladimir Perišić, the Belgian actress Lubna Azabal will award the Short Film Palme d’or and the 3 La Cinef prizes, the Festival de Cannes’ selection dedicated to student films.
The Jury will discover the 11 films in the Short Film Competition and the 18 films in La Cinef selection unveiled today.
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People & Lifestyle
Atarah Praise: Prophet Joseph Atarah set to rock Adenta on May 19
Ghana’s singing Prophet, Joseph Atarah is set to rock the people of Adenta on May 19 with Atarah Praise. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
Mysstel releases video for ‘Paradise’
Budding Ghanaian musician Agyeiwaa Stella Ofosu, affectionately called Mysstel in the music circles, has released the much-awaited video for her song Paradise.
“Paradise” written and produced by multiple award-winning Ghanaian musician and producer Kuami Eugene of Rock Star Made It fame has enjoyed massive rotation and airplay since its release recently.
The video directed and shot by Cassidy is a reliving of the lyrics of the song which urges ladies to give their male partners the treatment of a lifetime.
“Paradise” released under Oracle Entertainment, is a tale of two lovers who are geared for the rollercoaster journey into the future regardless of the challenges.
According to Mysstell, love is not one-sided, and it is about time ladies make their male partners feel special, adding that “this means going all out for him like he will do for you regardless.”
“You need to let them know you love them, they deserve to be taken to special places, let them see the best part of you, take them to your paradise,” she said.
Mysstel is optimistic she has something unique which will help her break into the Ghana music industry and later take the world by storm.
Watch the video below
Mysstel – Paradise (Official Video) finally out
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
People & Lifestyle
GEXIM To Celebrate Ghanaian Workers With “Workers’ Mart Tuesday Market”
May Day, which is also known as International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday celebrated on 1st May every year. It is a holiday that is recognized in many countries around the world to celebrate the achievements and contributions of workers around the world.
As part of activities to mark this year’s edition of May Day, the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) will be hosting a special edition of its popular Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair, Tuesday Market, on Tuesday 30th April 2024.
Dubbed as “Workers’ Mart”, the fair is scheduled to take place at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House (next to British Council in Accra) from 8AM to 8PM. It will be a platform to showcase a wide variety of top quality Made-In-Ghana products to be sold at unbeatable prices.
According to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, responsible for Banking, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer, the Made-In-Ghana products to be displayed are very unique, and authentic, ranging from food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear to slippers and many others.
She added that “we at GEXIM are happy to leverage the day to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our employees and Ghanaian employees in all industries. Also, it has become more imperative in recent times to recognize the importance of labour rights and fair working conditions. The significance of Workers Day goes beyond the commemoration of past struggles, it is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the labour movement and to look towards the future to ensure that workers’ rights are protected and that fair and just working conditions are upheld”.
Ms. Archer further stated that the Bank has over the years introduced initiatives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace to ensure that all workers are treated fairly and have access to equal opportunities.
She encouraged members of the general public to make it a point to join in the celebration by attending “Workers’ Mart on Tuesday 30th April 2024 at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House (next to British Council in Accra) from 8AM to 8PM which will be climaxed with a “Worker’s Jam”.
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