Meridianbet is a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group. The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board has granted it a sports betting license.
Meridianbet received a bookmaker license. They also obtained a bookmaker premises license and a manufacturer’s license. This came after completing the application and meeting all necessary regulations.
With the company providing live and in-play betting across different markets, these will allow Meridianbet to offer its sports betting products and services in South Africa.
The manufacturer’s license will allow Meridianbet to license out its proprietary sports betting services within the Western Cape region.
CEO Zoran Milosevic commented on the approval, expressing excitement about entering the South African market. He noted that the new license offers a significant opportunity to further scale their operations.
He added that expanding into South Africa will open up new opportunities to grow their user base in another jurisdiction. This underscores their ongoing commitment to expanding their industry-leading brands globally.
They struck this deal just days before the COSAFA Cup 2024 football tournament. The tournament will run from June 26 to July 27.
With 12 teams competing this year, it will start with group stages and continue until the finals.
The teams include Eswatini, Comoros, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Angola, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
Since FIFA banned Zimbabwe in 2022, this will be their first time playing in the tournament.
The controversial decision came after Zimbabwe suspended the board of its football association. This follows allegations of sexual harassment towards women referees.
Despite the possibility of FIFA banning them for interference, which is against FIFA rules, Gerald Mlotshwa of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) said they are prepared in many respects for whatever might happen. If it does happen, they look at it being a short-term measure. Zimbabwean football needs this opportunity to fix itself. If they are out of international football for a year or two, that’s acceptable. If they face suspension from Afcon next year, they are prepared for it. They understand they must handle the situation within football.
Meridianbet has just launched its latest CSR initiative in European football. EURO 2024: Every Goal for a Better Tomorrow will involve the group donating €30 or $32.14 for every goal scored during the tournament in Germany.
