Virgin Bet, operated by LiveScore Group, has launched operations in South Africa, marking the company’s first expansion outside the UK market.
The new platform, accessible via Virginbet.co.za, is part of LiveScore Group’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa, the company said on Monday.
It will be operated out of LiveScore Group’s existing betting operations in Nigeria alongside its LiveScore Bet product.
Africa’s largest regulated gambling market
South Africa stands as Africa’s largest regulated gambling market, overseen by both provincial and national regulatory bodies.
The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa says 1.5 trillion South African Rand ($89 billion) was wagered in the country over the 2024/2025 financial year, 31.3% higher than in the prior financial year.
The betting sector accounted for 75% of that sum while casinos contributed 19.5%. Limited payout machines (LPMs) and bingo made up 3.6% and 1.8%, respectively. The gambling sector employed about 34,316 people by 2024, the NGB has said .
However, South Africa’s National Treasury has proposed the introduction of a 20% levy tax framework for online gambling, signalling a shift toward more structured and potentially higher taxation of digital betting activities. The sector has largely pushed back against this.
Responsible gambling at the core
The operator confirmed the new site would implement several player safety features, including deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion options. Age verification processes and a dedicated local customer support team will also be in place to ensure compliance and assist users.
Gail Odgers, head of marketing for Virgin Bet South Africa said of the launch: “We’re focused on building trust and introducing Virgin Bet in a way that South Africans can feel confident in.”
The company has also pledged to initiate further local corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects aimed at promoting safer gambling practices within the community.
The South African platform aims to serve the country’s substantial and rapidly growing sports betting market, with a focus on popular sports such as football, rugby and cricket.
“Whether it’s football, rugby or cricket, sport is part of everyday conversation. That passion is what makes this market so exciting for us,” Odgers added.
