Softswiss, a global iGaming software provider, has expanded its international footprint with the acquisition of a majority stake in Turfsport, a leading South African provider of multichannel wagering software for sports, horseracing and lotto. The move represents a strategic step for Softswiss to deepen its roots in the thriving African market.
Turfsport’s versatile software is currently utilized by more than 40 operators in South Africa, catering to horseracing, lotto, and sports betting enthusiasts. The platform records an impressive annual total of over 1.5 billion bets placed by clients across various platforms.
Christian Neuberger, CEO at Turfsport, shared his thoughts on the acquisition, saying, “To provide more innovation and react faster to the growing demands of the iGaming industry, Turfsport was looking for an international partner that would complement our strong brand in South Africa, and we are absolutely delighted to have found the ideal partner in Softswiss and its dynamic and fast-growing team.”
Neuberger highlighted the collaborative spirit, emphasizing, “Both companies look forward to delivering innovative product enhancements and services, giving our customers the competitive edge to grow and succeed in an increasingly dynamic market. We are all truly excited about the winning combination of Turfsport’s local and Softswiss’ international expertise and the prospects for this duo in the South African and African markets.”
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at Softswiss, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, asserting, “Acquiring a successful local company is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to enter a new market. I am pleased to announce the completion of this long-awaited deal. With this agreement, Softswiss takes a significant step forward in its extensive expansion into South Africa and the African continent. I believe this region is becoming the next focal point globally, following Latin America.”
Starovoitov believes the African region is emerging as the next global focal point, following Latin America. He noted: “What’s even more valuable for us is that we not only gain market presence but also access technologies developed over the last 35 years by world-class specialists. We look forward to enhancing our product portfolio and continuing our commitment to providing high-end solutions to our partners.”
Softswiss’ move follows a trend of international companies looking to establish a stronger presence in the South African iGaming market. In December last year, Light & Wonder expanded into South Africa through a strategic partnership with Hollywoodbets, while in October 2023, Optimove geared up for South African growth with Amelco. The strategic landscape of the region continues to evolve as global players recognize the vast potential of the African market.
