TLDR
- Virgin Bet has launched in South Africa through Virginbet.co.za, its first market outside the UK
- The platform is operated by LiveScore Group out of its existing Nigerian operations
- South Africa is Africa’s largest regulated gambling market with $89 billion wagered in 2024/2025
- The country’s National Treasury has proposed a 20% levy tax on online gambling
- Virgin Bet says it will focus on responsible gambling features and local sports betting
Virgin Bet has officially launched in South Africa. It is the first time the brand has operated outside the United Kingdom.
The platform, run by LiveScore Group, went live at Virginbet.co.za. The company confirmed the news on Monday.
LiveScore Group said the launch is part of a wider plan to grow its presence across Africa. The South African operation will be managed from the company’s existing base in Nigeria, where it already runs its LiveScore Bet product.
South Africa is the biggest licensed betting market on the African continent. The country’s gambling industry is regulated by both provincial and national bodies.
South Africa’s Betting Market Posts Strong Growth
According to the National Gambling Board of South Africa, 1.5 trillion South African Rand was wagered during the 2024/2025 financial year. That figure equals roughly $89 billion.
The amount wagered was 31.3% higher than the previous financial year. Betting made up 75% of the total, while casinos accounted for 19.5%.
Limited payout machines and bingo contributed smaller shares at 3.6% and 1.8% respectively. The gambling sector employed around 34,316 people by 2024, according to the NGB.
The market’s growth has drawn the attention of regulators and lawmakers. South Africa’s National Treasury has put forward a proposal for a 20% levy tax on online gambling.
The proposed tax would represent a shift toward stricter taxation of digital betting in the country. The gambling industry has largely opposed the plan.
Virgin Bet said its South African platform will focus on popular local sports. Football, rugby and cricket are expected to be the main offerings.
Gail Odgers, head of marketing for Virgin Bet South Africa, said the company wants to build trust with local users. She described South Africa’s passion for sport as a key reason the market is appealing.
Responsible Gambling Features Built Into the Platform
The operator confirmed that several player safety tools will be available from launch. These include deposit limits, time-out options and self-exclusion features.
Age verification processes will also be in place. A dedicated local customer support team has been set up to assist users and ensure compliance with regulations.
Virgin Bet said it plans to roll out corporate social responsibility projects in South Africa. These will focus on promoting safer gambling practices in local communities.
Odgers said the company is focused on introducing Virgin Bet in a way that South Africans can feel confident in. The platform is now live and accepting customers.
LiveScore Group already operates in Nigeria and the UK. The South African launch gives the company a foothold in Africa’s largest regulated gambling market.
The National Gambling Board reported that the 2024/2025 wagering total of $89 billion marked the highest figure on record for the country.
