Evolution Gaming lands South African licence

Live dealer software supplier Evolution Gaming is to launch in South Africa after it secured a national manufacturer licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB).

The licence will permit Evolution to roll out its own products – as well as those from subsidiary Ezugi – to licensed gaming operators in the country.

Ezugi, which was acquired by Evolution in November 2018 in a deal worth $18m (£13.7m/€16.3m), has been active in the South African market for some time.

Evolution also holds licences in the UK, Malta, Alderney, Belgium, Romania, Latvia, British Columbia in Canada and both New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the US.

“Thanks in large part to the great experience already gained in this market by our Ezugi subsidiary, we are entering a really exciting new vertical in this region,” Evolution group chief executive Martin Carlesund said.

“Our world-leading live dealer solutions, and new live event betting solutions too, will be available not only on desktop, tablet and smartphone but also in retail betting shops.”

Ezugi founder and chief executive Kfir Kugler added: “There is long-term potential in the regulated South African market to deliver Evolution-powered live dealer games and fixed odds solutions to operators and to bring players the most entertaining live games and live game show games available in the world, alongside exciting new betting products.”

Earlier this week, France-headquartered land-based casino operator Groupe Partouche linked up with Evolution Gaming to launch a new online casino service in Switzerland.

Scheduled for launch during the first half of 2020, the Evolution-powered casino will allow customers to play games across mobile, tablet and desktop.