Latest news with #HollywoodBets
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Green Shoots: When having a flutter is no longer fun
I was caught up in Johannesburg traffic the other day, and crawling along the M1 highway allowed me to take in the many billboards whose sole purpose is to convince you to buy what it is they are offering. And most of these offerings were from online gambling services. I saw Betway and Hollywood Bets promising me great excitement and wealth with minimal effort – I can place my bet anywhere, anytime, and on almost anything. You will have seen these adverts all over our television screens, and heard them on radio. Some of our favourite sports teams have been renamed according to their sponsors – Hollywood Bets Sharks is my rugby team of choice, and they play their home games at Hollywood Bets Kings Park Stadium, up the road from Hollywood Bets Kingsmead Stadium where cricket is played. And fan favourite rugby world cup winner Makazole Mapimpi is their brand ambassador, along with soccer legends like Teko Modise and Jerry Sikhosana. Gambling in this country is big business. Gross gambling revenue (GGR) was R59 billion in 2024. Since COVID in 2020, this revenue growth has been at 42% per year. Gambling is a significant contributor to economic activity and apparently supports 32 000 jobs, with most revenue generated in the Western Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. I'm a little concerned about this phenomenon. We are suckers for a slick advertising campaign, and the saturation messaging of these betting platforms should be cause for concern – indeed, alarm – in more sections of our community, including government and the appropriate regulatory authorities. I found online information on gambling fairly easily, and so I clearly am not alone in feeling uneasy. Industry research says that the reasons respondents give for their gambling appear to be increasingly connected to financial strain, with more than half of surveyed punters saying they gambled because they needed the money. This survey clearly provided the option for multiple answers, because more than two thirds were hoping to win a large sum of money, and down the list somewhere 14% said they had lost their job. When the bet is placed because you need to survive, you know you're in trouble. The online source of my data is an investment firm, and they say that 'problem gambling' prevalence has increased five-fold since 2017, with 21% of problem gamblers unemployed and 84% earning under R15,000 per month. People, we have a problem. And this isn't even considering those for whom gambling is an addiction they cannot beat. Imagine trying to quit a habit when every corner and screen and broadcast is almost brow-beating you to place the bet. Some may say the tax revenue that is generated should be able to ameliorate the social costs ofgambling. Apparently casinos paid about 10% of their revenue in taxes last year, and betting platforms a paltry 7%. Is that supposed to ease the destruction that this practice has for people who are not recreational gamblers? For perspective, cigarettes are taxed at 40% and spirit alcohol at 36%. You don't see your favourite tipple on the telly anymore, and we're a short step from having cigarette packets with no branding expect really disturbing pictures of what happens to your gums when you smoke (I saw those in Thailand recently). I am no prude, and I have been known to wager a bit every now and then. I am no advocate for a nanny state – we cannot over-regulate the choices and behaviour of grown up people. And I know that jobs are at stake. Apparently Tsogo Gaming and Sun International employ half the gambling industry's workforce. With the lower cost and greater accessibility of online platforms, there is a real danger of job losses. For all these reasons, will the authorities please see reason and common sense, and control the bombardment of advertising of these online betting platforms.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sports Betting South Africa: Hollywood Bets Picked as the Top SA Online Sportsbook
Hollywood Bets New York City, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Sports betting has become a major pastime for South Africans, offering excitement, entertainment, and the possibility of winning big. If you're new to the world of online sports betting or looking for a reliable platform, Hollywood Bets is a name you can trust. Popular throughout South Africa, Hollywood Bets offers innovative features, top-tier bonuses, and a platform that is tailor-made for local players. JOIN THE BEST SPORTS BETTING SITE IN SOUTH AFRICA: HOLLYWOD BETS Overview of Hollywood Bets, the Best SA Sports Betting Site Hollywood Bets has established itself as a leader in the South African sports betting industry. Known for its expertise in catering to local preferences, this platform strikes the perfect balance between convenience and variety. From sports favorites like rugby and soccer to dynamic betting markets and promotions, Hollywood Bets ensures that South African players get the best experience in their betting pursuits. Why Hollywood Bets Stands Out in South Africa Hollywood Bets is more than just an online bookmaker; it's built with South Africans in mind. Here are key reasons why it has garnered such a loyal following: Wide Sports Coverage The platform features an extensive selection of betting options for sports that resonate deeply with South Africans. Whether you're a fan of the PSL or international cricket, there's something for everyone. Local Incentives Hollywood Bets doesn't just offer amazing promotions like the R25 bonus and 50 free spins; its campaigns often align with major sports events in South Africa, increasing engagement for users. Trust and Familiarity With numerous retail outlets across the country and a strong online presence, Hollywood Bets has become a household name South Africans feel confident betting with. User-Friendly Platform The website and mobile apps are designed with simplicity in mind, making them accessible to both seasoned bettors and beginners alike. Reliable Pay-Outs Hollywood Bets ensures that winning is enjoyable every step of the way through secure, quick, and hassle-free withdrawals. Pros of Hollywood Bets Extensive Sports Market Coverage From soccer and rugby to horse racing, Hollywood Bets offers something for every sports enthusiast. Exciting Welcome Bonus R25 free bonus plus 50 free spins provide the perfect introduction for new players. Trusted Local Brand Hollywood Bets has a longstanding history in South Africa, with a reputation for fairness and reliability. Easy to Navigate The platform's intuitive interface ensures that placing bets is simple and quick. Mobile Accessibility With a fully mobile-optimized platform, betting on the go is effortless. Cons of Hollywood Bets No Live Streaming The platform currently doesn't offer live match streaming. Focused on Sports Players seeking a blend of casino and sports betting may find limited casino offerings compared to dedicated online casino brands. How to Get Started with Online Sports Betting in South Africa Starting with Hollywood Bets is a straightforward process. Follow this guide to begin your sports betting adventure: Sign Up Online Visit Hollywood Bets and click the 'Register' button. Fill in a simple form with your personal details, such as name, ID number, and contact information. Claim Your Bonus Once your account is verified, you will automatically receive a R25 bonus and 50 free spins to start betting. Use these rewards to explore the platform and get a feel for the features. Make Your First Deposit Choose a payment option such as EFT, card payment, or mobile wallet, and fund your account securely. Choose Your Sport and Market Navigate the sportsbook to find your favorite sport, like soccer, cricket, or rugby. Review the odds and select a betting market that matches your strategy. Place Your Bet Craft your wager by selecting the event and odds. Add it to your bet slip, enter your stake, and confirm your bet. Withdraw Winnings When your bets pay off, claim your winnings by requesting a withdrawal. With Hollywood Bets, pay-outs are fast and secure. CLAIM THE HOLLYWOOD BETS WELCOME BONUS Features of the Best Sportsbooks in South Africa Hollywood Bets earned its place as a top betting platform by ticking all the right boxes for South African players. Local Sports Focus Hollywood Bets covers all the bases when it comes to South African fan favorites, from Currie Cup rugby to local soccer and cricket leagues. Players can bet on matches that matter most to them. Stronger Odds Competitive odds result in higher payouts, giving South African punters good value for their wagers. Bonuses Tailored for South Africa The R25 welcome bonus and exclusive free spins are examples of promos curated for local fans. Regular events and region-specific promotions make it accessible and rewarding. Secure Transactions Local payment systems like EFT and access to mobile wallets ensure safe, smooth, and familiar financial transactions for the South African audience. Customer-Centric Service Hollywood Bets' strong support system caters to South African gamblers, providing tailored advice and rapid query resolution. Sports Betting Features at Online Sportsbooks in South Africa Hollywood Bets goes beyond basic transactions to provide exciting features that elevate the sports betting experience. Here's how: Wide Range of Sports The platform offers more than just rugby and cricket, though these are their strengths. Bettors can also explore horse racing, tennis, basketball, and international leagues to expand their betting portfolio. Live Betting Hollywood Bets' live betting feature lets punters place bets as games unfold. Real-time updates and dynamic odds keep the experience engaging from kickoff to the final whistle. Quick Bets This feature allows users to wager on immediate results, such as the next goal scorer or the next try in a rugby match, adding excitement to the game. Stats Hub The platform provides detailed statistics for each match, helping bettors make informed decisions about their wagers. Jackpot Pools Hollywood Bets also offers jackpot pools, giving players the chance to win massive payouts by predicting the outcomes of specific matches. Payment Methods at SA Sports Betting Sites Hollywood Bets simplifies transactions by offering safe and convenient payment methods catering to South African users, such as: EFT Easy and reliable, EFT allows direct exploration for bettors with South African bank accounts like Absa or Standard Bank. Mobile Wallets Hollywood Bets integrates with services like Instant Money and vouchers that are accessible to players without traditional banking, broadening access across the country. Debit or Credit Cards These widely accepted payment options ensure secure and fast deposits for players with Visa or Mastercard accounts. Prepaid Vouchers For maximum anonymity and control over spending, Hollywood Bets supports prepaid voucher deposits. With these options, users across South Africa can fund their accounts and request withdrawals quickly, safely, and reliably. Responsible Gambling at South African Online Sportsbooks Hollywood Bets cares about its users' well-being and encourages responsible gambling with several resources: Set Deposit Limits Players can establish daily or monthly caps, ensuring they maintain a healthy approach to betting. Self-Exclusion Options Those needing a break can opt for temporary or permanent self-exclusion from the platform. Access to Educational Resources Hollywood Bets provides materials to help bettors spot signs of unhealthy gambling habits. These measures reflect Hollywood Bets' commitment to creating a sustainable gaming environment for South Africans. Hollywood Bets is the perfect platform for South African sports betting enthusiasts. With its tailored features, secure system, and robust bonuses, it delivers everything you need for an amazing betting experience. Don't wait to join the excitement; start betting with confidence today! START SPORTS BETTING IN SOUTH AFRICA Editorial NoteThis article is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Nothing within should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should carry out their own research before participating in any gambling activities or signing up with any online casinos CautionOnline gambling comes with financial risks and may lead to addictive behavior or monetary loss. We urge all readers to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available.18+ only. It is up to each individual to verify whether online gambling is permitted under their local, state, or federal laws. Neither the publisher, the authors, nor any syndication partners condone or support unlawful gambling. Participation in online gambling is done at the reader's own discretion and risk. Affiliate Transparency This article may include affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase or register, a commission may be earned, at no extra cost to you. Syndication and Liability Disclaimer Any third-party publishers, media platforms, or syndication partners that republish this content do so understanding that it is meant for informational purposes only. These entities are not responsible for the legality, accuracy, or interpretation of the material. If you suspect you're becoming addicted to gambling, visit Gamblers Anonymous for info on gambling addiction. Attachment Hollywood Bets CONTACT: Hollywood Bets HWHelpline@ Phone : 087 353 7633 Box 74234,Rochdale Park, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal South African 4034
The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Nabi loses his cool after poor result against Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has become a fearsome character in press conferences. After what was a rather lacklustre 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane last Saturday, coach Nabi ripped into reports after he was asked about his rumoured exit from Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the season. 'The news comes from a journalist,' Nabi told the media in Polokwane. 'I respect you, I respect all the journalists. I need all journalists to respect me as well. Because this news is bad for me. They create confusion in my team. This is bad, it's not professional, and it's not correct,' Nabi added as quoted by Hollywood Bets . 'The whole of Africa called me because they think I'm free, because I have finished with Kaizer Chiefs, and I'm not. This is incorrect. Please be professional,' the Tunisian coach pleaded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
