NetEnt and Red Tiger join forces with Supabets: a turning point for iGaming in South Africa
The month of July 2022 will remain a key date for the iGaming industry in South Africa. For the first time, a local operator, Supabets, obtained the green light to offer online slot machines, thanks to a partnership with NetEnt and Red Tiger. An announcement that is not only symbolic. It reshapes the landscape of African online casino, long confined to sports betting and live casino.
Supabets, an African pioneer seeking recognition
Founded in 2008, Supabets was built on the ground: physical presence in several African countries, gradual online development, and a reputation that today goes beyond the borders of South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Until then, the operator mainly excelled in sports betting and live tables. With this agreement, it took a decisive step: becoming the first South African operator to offer a complete portfolio of online slot machines.
A historic first for the South African market
The authorization granted by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) was the turning point. Thanks to it, Supabets was able to deploy 175 NetEnt and Red Tiger games, an impressive figure given the limitations that had held back the local market until then.
For players, it was the promise of accessing globally known titles, in a legal and regulated environment. As a South African player explained at the launch:
"Until now, I had to look on foreign sites to find these slots. Seeing them arrive on Supabets, with an official license, changes everything!"
On the international stage, NetEnt was no stranger to this type of move. In October 2020, the publisher had already proven its adaptability with Svenska Spel Sport & Casino in Sweden, integrating live casino content into a strictly regulated market.
A partnership strengthened with Evolution
Supabets was already working with Evolution for its live casino games: roulette, blackjack and Mega Wheel had become familiar to South African players. But the arrival of NetEnt and Red Tiger slots completed the experience.
Now, customers could switch from a live blackjack table to icons like Starburst™ or Gonzo’s Quest™ in a single click. A natural transition, which placed Supabets at the level of the largest international operators.
This move was part of a global expansion logic. In May 2020, NetEnt had already entered the American market through an agreement with Tipico in New Jersey.
Official testimonies and market analysis
Marc Palxton-Harrison, CEO of Intelligent Gaming, summarized the importance of this launch:
"We are delighted to finally have MER’s approval to launch the world-class slot offer from NetEnt and Red Tiger. We are confident it will be very successful with Supabets."
For Dean Finder, CEO of Evolution Services SA, this extension was obvious:
"We are delighted to expand our partnership with Supabets and give them access to our NetEnt and Red Tiger portfolio. Players will enjoy the diversity of this offer, as there really is something for everyone."
An iGaming expert based in Johannesburg added:
"With more than 175 games deployed at once, Supabets is pushing South Africa into a new era. It recalls the impact that the NetEnt agreement with Buzz Bingo had in the UK in November 2020. This is a signal sent to all of Africa: the market is ready!"
A milestone for the future of African iGaming
This partnership was not limited to a simple catalog extension. It laid the foundations for a lasting regulation of the South African gambling market. By integrating international suppliers, Supabets sent a strong message: Africa could compete with European or American standards.
The prospects were clear: extend this dynamic beyond South Africa, to countries where Supabets is already present such as Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Conclusion:
In July 2022, Supabets made history by becoming the first South African operator to offer NetEnt and Red Tiger online slot machines, regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. With its 175 games deployed from the start, this partnership redefined South Africa’s place in African iGaming innovation.
It also confirmed NetEnt’s global strategy: to establish itself in every regulated market, from Sweden to the United States, and now in Africa.
FAQ - NetEnt and Red Tiger x Supabets: market and player experience in South Africa
Every major announcement in the world of iGaming inevitably raises questions. The arrival of NetEnt and Red Tiger slot machines at Supabets in July 2022 was no exception! Curious players, market observers and even online casino enthusiasts wanted to understand what this partnership really changed. For the South African market, for the African industry as a whole, but also for their daily gaming experience.
To clear up any ambiguity, here is a complete FAQ, designed both to explain the market vision and to answer the most concrete questions from players.
1. What is Supabets and why is it considered a pioneer?
Supabets is a gaming and betting operator founded in 2008. It is present in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. In July 2022, it became the first South African operator to legally offer online slot machines, marking a historic milestone for the market.
2. How many NetEnt and Red Tiger games were integrated into the Supabets offer?
The partnership allowed the addition of 175 slot games, from the NetEnt and Red Tiger portfolios. It was one of the most significant integrations of premium content in African iGaming at that time.
3. What role did the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) play in this project?
The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator validated and supervised the operation to ensure the offer complied with South African regulations and that players enjoyed a legal and secure environment.
4. Why is this announcement considered historic?
Because it marked the first time a local operator offered a complete range of regulated online slot machines. It was a strong signal for the expansion of the iGaming market in Africa, aligned with international standards.
5. Which neighboring countries could follow this model in the future?
Since Supabets is already active in Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, it is likely these markets will be the next to evolve if their local regulations open the way to similar offers.
6. What benefits for the African iGaming industry as a whole?
This partnership strengthened the credibility of the sector, proving that Africa could host global providers in a regulated framework. It also demonstrated the potential of the African market to attract premium content and offer a competitive diversity of games.
7. What types of games are available on Supabets since July 2022?
Players now have access to 175 NetEnt and Red Tiger slot machines, in addition to the Evolution live casino offer and sports betting already available on the platform.
8. Are these games accessible on mobile?
Yes. All integrated slots are developed in HTML5, making the experience smooth on smartphones, tablets and PCs alike.
9. What advantages for South African players?
The main advantage is legal and secure access to globally known titles like Starburst™ or Gonzo’s Quest™, without going through foreign platforms. This provides greater reliability and transparency.
10. Do the games keep the same characteristics as internationally?
Yes. The RTP rates, features and jackpots remain identical to those offered in other regulated markets. South African players therefore enjoy the same experience as European or American players.
11. Do Supabets customers need to create a new account to access these games?
No. Existing accounts automatically gained access to the slot machines as soon as they were integrated in 2022, without any additional registration or steps.
12. Is the diversity of games suitable for all types of players?
Absolutely. The offer of 175 titles covers both simple slots with classic mechanics and high-volatility games for thrill-seekers.
13. How has this integration changed the gaming experience?
The arrival of the slots transformed Supabets into a multi-purpose platform. Players can now move from sports betting to live tables, then explore iconic slot machines. The birth of a much more varied and immersive experience.
