Virgin Bet Launches in South Africa in First International Expansion

(AsiaGameHub) –   Virgin Bet has launched in South Africa, marking LiveScore Group’s first Virgin Bet expansion beyond the UK. The new platform, Virginbet.co.za, forms part of a broader African strategy and will operate from the group’s existing betting infrastructure in Nigeria, in conjunction with LiveScore Bet.

• Good to Know

  Virgin Bet has launched in South Africa via Virginbet.co.za.

• LiveScore Group stated the launch is part of a broader African expansion plan.
• South Africa continues to be Africa’s largest regulated gambling market by betting volume.

Virgin Bet Selects South Africa for Initial International Expansion

Instead of prioritizing another European market, LiveScore Group has introduced Virgin Bet to South Africa. This move opens a new opportunity in a nation where betting already dominates gambling activity. According to National Gambling Board data, total wagering for the 2024-2025 financial year hit ZAR1.5 trillion, a 31.3% increase from the previous year, with betting representing 75% of that figure. Casinos accounted for 19.5%, while limited payout machines and bingo comprised 3.6% and 1.8% respectively.

The approach is simple. Virgin Bet aims to establish itself in South Africa’s rapidly expanding sports betting sector, which centers on football, rugby, and cricket. Gail Odgers, Virgin Bet South Africa’s marketing head, commented:

“We’re focused on building trust and introducing Virgin Bet in a way that South Africans can feel confident in. Whether it’s football, rugby or cricket, sport is part of everyday conversation. That passion is what makes this market so exciting for us.”

Player protection features prominently in the launch communications. LiveScore Group confirmed the South African platform includes deposit limits, time-out options, self-exclusion tools, age verification, and a dedicated local customer support team. The company also announced plans for local corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on safer gambling.

The group previously operated betting services in Nigeria, with earlier reports indicating LiveScore Bet products were active there within a wider multi-market framework. This established African presence helps explain why South Africa was chosen as the next market for expansion.