Play’n GO Launched in Botswana With Betway in Latest African Expansion
Play’n GO has agreed a new distribution deal with Betway to roll out its online casino games to players in Botswana.
The launch gives Betway customers in the country access to the Swedish supplier’s slot portfolio, including popular titles like Rise of Olympus, Reactoonz, and Book of Dead.
The agreement marks Play’n GO’s entry into the Botswana market and extends its African footprint. It also builds on a previous rollout with Betway in South Africa, where the companies launched similar content last year.
Play’n GO said Botswana adds to its regulated market reach, which it puts at more than 35 jurisdictions worldwide. The developer’s overall portfolio includes more than 400 games.
Magnus Olsson, the company’s chief commercial officer, released a statement on the move:
The African gaming market is one of the most exciting and energetic in the world, and we’re thrilled to be entering Botswana for the first time with our partners Betway.
He also pointed to the supplier’s wider market access strategy:
Play’n GO intends to be in every regulated market in the world, and Botswana now joins over 35 other regulated markets globally that are able to offer our world-class games.
African iGaming Market Grows as Suppliers Expand
Researchers have reported a steady shift from traditional retail betting towards online channels across Africa.
The move is built on long-established wagering cultures centered on betting shops, bars, and kiosks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions and changing habits accelerated the migration as more consumers became comfortable placing bets and playing remotely.
South Africa remains a key focus for international suppliers like Play’n GO, given its position as the continent’s biggest economy and a more developed regulatory environment.
Suppliers are investing more in Africa as players move from retail betting to online platforms.
For the 2024-2025 financial year, South Africa reported gambling revenue of $4.3 billion, with online betting accounting for about 60% of the total.
Botswana is smaller, but regulators and operators have highlighted growth potential as more brands invest in online platforms.
The market is projected to exceed $33.2 million in annual gross revenue, and the country’s Gambling Authority has recently issued permits for several new operators to enter.
International developers have also expanded in the region by partnering with local operators to quickly reach new audiences within regulated frameworks.
Greentube entered South Africa through Sunbet, Hacksaw Gaming went live with Supbets, and Evolution teamed up with Betway to launch a dedicated game show product tailored for South African players.
Play’n GO has followed a similar route to broaden its distribution across the continent, starting with the 2024 entry into South Africa through a partnership with Betway.
It has since added further local deals, including an agreement with Hollywoodbets in April and a July partnership with the Goldrush Group to supply content to the Goldrush and Gbets platforms.
The supplier widened that footprint in September through a deal with Kenyan operator Betika.
The agreement took Play’n GO content live in multiple markets, including Uganda, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, and Kenya.
Alongside geographic expansion, the developer has continued to update its product roadmap and corporate activity.
Play’n GO has introduced new mechanics, including “Crashback” and “Blitzway”, while also maintaining higher-profile brand initiatives such as its sponsorship of the Haas F1 team and the launch of associated music and fashion brands.
