Sunbet expands Namibia online gaming operations with Bede Gaming

Sunbet has officially launched its online gaming offering in Namibia through its long-standing partnership with Bede Gaming, marking another stage in the company’s expansion across regulated African gaming markets. The move strengthens Sunbet’s regional footprint while further extending Bede Gaming’s presence across the African iGaming sector.

The new Namibian operation introduces a broad digital gaming portfolio that includes sports betting, online slots and live casino products. The platform is powered by Bede Gaming’s technology infrastructure and incorporates content and services from several established suppliers including Kambi, Evolution, Habanero and Pariplay.

The latest launch follows several years of cooperation between Sunbet and Bede Gaming. Their partnership first began in 2017 during a period when South African online gaming regulation was largely limited to sports betting and live casino products. Following regulatory developments in 2022 that permitted slot content, Sunbet expanded its digital product range using Bede’s technology platform.

Namibia becomes latest step in African expansion

The launch in Namibia reflects Sunbet’s broader strategy to expand into regulated African markets where digital gaming demand continues to grow. Namibia has increasingly attracted attention from gaming operators because of its close economic relationship with South Africa and its developing digital infrastructure.

Sunbet stated that the Namibian market represented a logical next step after the company’s earlier expansion into Botswana. That operation, launched in 2024, reportedly generated substantial growth across several key performance indicators according to company figures.

The companies cited H2 2025 data showing that Botswana registrations increased by 189%, while unique player numbers rose by 239%. Total wagering reportedly increased by 370% and gross gaming revenue climbed by 350% during the same period.

While such figures were shared by the companies involved and reflect operational growth claims, they nevertheless demonstrate the confidence both organisations appear to have in the long-term potential of regulated African online gaming markets.

Integrated platform and supplier network

The Namibia rollout combines several technology and content providers into a single platform ecosystem designed to support customer acquisition, player engagement and operational scalability.

Sports betting services are supported through Kambi’s sportsbook technology, while live casino products are provided through Evolution. Additional slot content is supplied by Habanero and Pariplay, both of which maintain significant international gaming portfolios.

Sunbet will also utilise customer relationship management tools through Bede Gaming’s partnership with Xtremepush. The integration is expected to support marketing automation, personalised communication and retention strategies aimed at improving long-term customer engagement.

Industry analysts have increasingly highlighted the importance of integrated technology ecosystems in competitive iGaming markets. Operators expanding into multiple jurisdictions often require scalable systems capable of supporting compliance obligations, localisation requirements and player management functions simultaneously.

Bede Gaming’s platform has positioned itself as a technology provider capable of supporting operators entering regulated jurisdictions while maintaining operational flexibility. The Namibia expansion appears to reinforce that strategic positioning within Africa.

Strong financial growth supports expansion plans

Sunbet’s regional expansion strategy has been supported by strong financial performance reported by parent company Sun International.

According to Sun International’s FY25 financial results, Sunbet income increased by 75.9% on a year-on-year basis. Adjusted EBITDA reportedly reached R744 million compared with R363 million during FY24.

The growth reflects increasing customer adoption across Sunbet’s online channels as digital gaming continues to gain momentum in several African markets. Industry observers have noted that mobile penetration, internet accessibility and regulatory development are contributing factors behind the wider growth of online betting and gaming across the region.

Sun International remains one of the most recognised gaming and hospitality brands operating in Africa. The company’s established brand presence has been viewed as an advantage as Sunbet expands into neighbouring jurisdictions.

Executives highlight long-term partnership

Senior executives from both companies emphasised the importance of the partnership in supporting international growth initiatives.

Kirsty Stewart, Chief Legal & Client Success Officer at Bede, said: “It’s been wonderful to continue fostering our ongoing partnership with Sunbet, including the delivery of their two global expansions over these last couple of years. There’s a lot to be proud of within this customer relationship and we’re looking forward to building on the outstanding performance we’ve witnessed so far. I’m eager to continue offering a strong foundation, exceptional service and powerful integration suite for Sun’s future growth.”

Simon Gregory, Chief Executive Officer at Sunbet, also commented on the company’s regional strategy and the significance of the Namibian launch.

“Sun International is a well respected and trusted brand in Africa, so Sunbet’s intention was always to leverage this good will by expanding into other African markets. We experienced significant success after our debut in Botswana, so rolling out Sunbet to the Namibian market was the natural next step for us, especially given that Namibia is one of South Africa’s strongest trading partners.

“We are equally confident that with Bede, we have the right partner to achieve our regional expansion strategy. Their platform offers the digital flexibility and stability we need to efficiently enter new markets while living up to Sunbet’s promise to deliver a high-quality experience for players.

“We look forward to building a strong presence in Namibia and bringing the same trusted Sunbet experience that customers have come to expect across our other markets.”

Regulatory markets continue attracting investment

The Namibia launch also reflects a wider industry trend in which operators increasingly focus on regulated African jurisdictions as part of long-term international growth strategies.

Several African markets have introduced or refined regulatory frameworks in recent years to provide greater oversight for online gaming operations. This has created opportunities for established operators and technology providers seeking sustainable expansion in compliant environments.

Industry stakeholders continue to monitor how regulation, taxation and consumer protection frameworks evolve across the continent. Market participants generally view regulatory clarity as a key factor influencing future investment decisions.

As competition intensifies within African online gaming markets, partnerships between operators and technology providers are expected to remain central to expansion efforts. The relationship between Sunbet and Bede Gaming illustrates how strategic collaborations can support entry into new jurisdictions while enabling operators to scale efficiently.

Conclusion

Sunbet’s entry into Namibia represents another important development in the continued growth of regulated online gaming across Africa. Supported by Bede Gaming’s platform technology and a network of established suppliers, the company is seeking to strengthen its regional position following earlier expansion efforts in Botswana.

The launch also highlights the increasing role of technology partnerships in helping operators navigate evolving regulatory environments while maintaining operational efficiency and customer engagement standards. With strong financial growth reported by Sun International and continued investment into digital gaming operations, Sunbet appears focused on establishing a broader presence across key African markets.

As online gaming adoption continues to increase throughout the region, Namibia may become an important test case for the company’s long-term regional ambitions and its ability to replicate earlier commercial momentum in newly regulated jurisdictions.

FAQs

What services has Sunbet launched in Namibia?
Sunbet has launched sports betting, online slots and live casino products in the Namibian market.

Which company provides the platform for Sunbet in Namibia?
The platform technology for Sunbet’s Namibian operation is provided by Bede Gaming.

Which gaming suppliers are integrated into the platform?
The platform includes services and content from Kambi, Evolution, Habanero and Pariplay.

When did the partnership between Sunbet and Bede Gaming begin?
The partnership between Sunbet and Bede Gaming began in 2017.

Why is Namibia important for Sunbet’s expansion strategy?
Namibia is considered an important regional market because of its economic relationship with South Africa and its developing digital gaming sector.

What customer engagement tools will Sunbet use in Namibia?
Sunbet will use customer relationship management tools through Bede Gaming’s partnership with Xtremepush.

Did Sunbet previously expand into other African markets?
Yes. Sunbet expanded into Botswana in 2024 before launching operations in Namibia.

What financial growth did Sunbet report recently?
According to Sun International’s FY25 results, Sunbet income increased by 75.9% year-on-year.

Who is the CEO of Sunbet?
Simon Gregory serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Sunbet.

What is Bede Gaming’s role in the African iGaming market?
Bede Gaming provides platform technology and operational support for gaming operators expanding into regulated African markets.