Bede Gaming launches iGaming platform into Namibia with latest Sunbet expansion

Pioneering platform solutions provider and leading SA-based betting brand build on long-standing successful relationship with third major market entry in Africa.

Sunbet, the digital gaming arm of Sun International and one of the fastest-growing operators in the South African online betting market, has successfully launched into Namibia with an internationally configurable platform solution powered by long-term partner, Bede Gaming. 

As is the case with Sunbet’s other two African markets, the solution Bede has provided the operator for this Namibia launch encompasses sports, slots and live casino, and leverages a number of high-profile integrations from leading game supplier partners including Kambi, Evolution, Habenero and Pariplay. 

From an operations perspective, Sunbet will also be able to take advantage of Bede’s partnership with Xtremepush to gain access to a state-of-the-art CRM tool, with this added functionality expected to be of huge benefit to the group’s acquisition and retention strategies as they continue to grow in the market. 

With the pair’s relationship dating back to 2017 – when iGaming offerings in South Africa were restricted to just sports betting and live casino – Sunbet has been able to significantly expand its digital line-up by working with Bede when the regulation surrounding slot content was changed in 2022. 

Buoyed by the substantial performance and revenue growth that came from the partnership, the two companies collaborated on a second successful market launch into Botswana in 2024. As of the H2 2025 reporting period, the Bede-powered platform in Botswana saw registrations increase by 189%, unique players rise by 239%, and total wagering and Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) go up by 370% and 350% respectively. 

The impressive growth of Sun’s digital performance in both South Africa and Botswana has contributed to some incredibly strong underlying numbers, with the group’s FY25 financial results for Sunbet showing a 75.9% increase in income for the year and an adjusted EBIDTA of R744 million – an impressive 105% improvement on the R363 million recorded in the previous year (2024). 

Given this successful track record, both Sunbet and Bede are confident the Namibia launch will go on to yield equally impressive results. With the target player demographics in the country being similar to those found in South Africa and Botswana, Bede’s solution has enabled Sunbet to efficiently apply comparable marketing strategies – and similar growth is sure to follow. 

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, said: “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.”