“Our investment in Africa now is an investment in the future”

(Exclusive interview).- 1xBet talked to Focus Gaming News ahead of the second edition of ICE Africa, which kicks off tomorrow in South Africa.

ICE Africa starts tomorrow in South Africa and the biggest companies of the gambling industry will be part of it. 2019 is the year in which ICE Africa makes its second appearance, and 1xBet is once again ready to showcase its power to the industry.

1xBet’s team talked with Focus Gaming News ahead of ICE Africa and shared the company’s assessment of the local industry, as well as their plans for the event.

You’ve recently highlighted your wish to expand to different markets worldwide, what place does Africa have in those plans?

Africa is one of the most important regions in which 1xBet operates. Not only from the point of view of today’s development but also in the sense that in the future this market, according to all forecasts, will grow exponentially. The potential of the further development of Africa is close to unlimited. Accordingly, our investment in Africa now is an investment in the future and an ongoing commitment to sport on the continent. 

What opportunities does ICE Africa bring for 1xBet?

An event of this scale is a great opportunity to not only strengthen existing acquaintances, but also a superb chance to seal new deals. We love the opportunity of meeting face to face with partners to learn about their goals and ambitions. And at the same time, it will be a great opportunity to study industry trends, new concepts and gain fresh perspectives. One thing to remember is that no matter how successful a company is, there will always be a need to continue innovating and adapting.

Our investment in Africa now is an investment in the future and an ongoing commitment to sport on the continent.

How do you assess the sports betting market on the continent?

We now have a unique opportunity to become leaders in this market by showing players that they can trust 1xBet. The market is expanding and will grow every year. There’s little doubt that the sports betting market in Africa is dominated by football. Our partnership with the CAF (Confederation of African Football) highlights our commitment to that sport. And, while the interest in football markets continue to grow, many other sports have exponential growth potential also. Through the ever-increasing coverage, 1xBet customers can also develop an interest in a wide range of other sporting events.

We now have a unique opportunity to become leaders in this market by showing players that they can trust 1xBet.

What challenges does Africa pose for a company like 1xBet in terms of your possibilities to establish and grow in the region?

We are well aware that the African market attracts not only us but also competitors. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully verify each step and work with the most reliable partners. We must build our work processes while taking into account the characteristics of each individual country –  all very interesting and exciting! It’s a question of how we can maximise the 1xBet standard of excellence in each country in order to benefit our players in the best possible way.

The iGaming segment continues to grow in Africa, do you expect countries to follow the lead of Kenya or Ghana regarding mobile/internet betting?

It seems to us that each country has its own specifics in terms of the development of betting. Therefore, it is rather difficult to give forecasts as to whether the methods implemented by some countries will be successful in others. But, one thing that we are sure of is that mobile / internet betting will only grow – people want to bet where and when it suits them. This is a global trend and, with the improving infrastructure, there will be a massive surge in this sector on the continent.

How important is such growth for an online company like 1xBet?

Of course, it’s vital – as an innovative company, the development of technology is a key focus. We always have cutting edge offerings for customers, in terms of the wide range of online bets and the convenience of making them. 1xBet is a company that is confident in its prospects in all possible betting markets. Customer satisfaction in the 1xBet experience is, and will always be our primary goal. And, by doing that correctly we ensure further growth.