Technology Specialists are Eager to Support South Africa’s iGaming Sector

International iGaming technology experts SOFTSWISS are eager to use their regulatory knowledge to support the betting industry in South Africa.

Many of the operators of the best betting apps in South Africa featured on comparison platform bettingtop10.co.za already utilise software developed by SOFTSWISS.

They will have paid close attention to the recent release of the company’s 2026 iGaming Trends report, which has a strong focus on regulatory issues.

Betting apps that embrace regulation attract bigger capital, retain players more effectively and future-proof their businesses against risks.

From Red Tape to Revenue Engine

Per the SOFTSWISS report, markets that find the right balance between strict oversight and innovation are outperforming those that lean too hard in either direction.

Regulating the industry with an iron fist can smother progress, but it is worth noting that a laissez-faire framework will bring about instability, reputational damage and short-termism.

SOFTSWISS founder Ivan Montik believes the industry has outgrown its ‘Wild West phase’.  The framing of the message is profound for operators.

Compliance is no longer just a forced defensive posture. It is a brand promise. Adhering to regulatory requirements signals positively to investors and reassures players that their sites are trustworthy.

SOFTSWISS’ strategy reinforces this notion. The company plans to expand its horizons across markets such as South Africa in 2026, working to keep betting apps compliant while the rules evolve.

Cybersecurity Moves Centre Stage

Cybersecurity is an important element in the iGaming sector. The report shows just how dangerous modern threats can be to betting apps.

Phishing has increased by over 180 percent since 2023, while Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks surpassed 20 million in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Alarmingly, more than a third of smaller iGaming companies are still not ready enough to defend against these threats.

Cybersecurity is a core business driver, and one single breach can destroy years of work put into building the brand. It can erode player trust.

SOFTSWISS’ Group Chief Information Security Officer, Evgeny Zaretskov, warns that these threats are becoming even more sophisticated.

Bad actors are now employing artificial intelligence (AI) powered deepfake voices and synthetic identities to bypass traditional Know Your Customer processes. These tools make it easier to impersonate trusted users and manipulate betting apps.

To fight back, SOFTSWISS advocates for operators to embed security measures in governance, undertaking international standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST.

This secure-by-design model treats data protection, systems and users as a key part of commercial success, especially in regulated markets where scrutiny is increasing.

Execution, Speed and Technical Maturity

One of the core tenets of SOFTSWISS’s vision for 2026 is to improve delivery speed without jeopardising reliability, security or compliance.

The company is fine-tuning its processes from the first stage to the last, focusing on shortening delivery cycles for its partners.

That approach has started producing remarkable results, including a record sportsbook launch that was completed in 14 days between the first contract signing and the first bet placed.

In the very saturated gaming market, that kind of operational speed is important. Platforms want to deliver stable performance and products to users on time.

SOFTSWISS believes the answer lies in better cross-team collaboration, smarter tooling and a relentless focus on improving technical performance.

The Industrialisation of AI

One of the most poignant shifts noted in the report is the industrialisation of AI.

After years of experimentation by various industries, the iGaming sector is deploying the technology for measurable impact. Survey respondents rated AI’s importance at 8.41/10 as the technology gradually seeps into every aspect of gaming.

SOFTSWISS has since embedded AI across its workflows, deploying the tech for security using graph neural networks, AI-powered CRM systems that support real-time, personalised player engagement.

Internally, SOFTSWISS created a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer role, underlining how committed the company is to scaling AI responsibly and pragmatically.

They are turning to AI to help make better decisions, ensure faster delivery and protect against new risks.