Hollywoodbets Expands into Online Poker with EvenBet

Poker fans in South Africa have a new reason to get excited. Hollywoodbets, one of the country’s most recognised betting brands, has teamed up with EvenBet Gaming to launch a brand-new poker platform. This is one of the first proper online poker services in Africa, and it could change the way local players enjoy the game.

A First for South African Players

The new poker platform is starting out with Texas Hold’em, the most popular version of the game. More formats are set to follow soon, giving players more choice and variety.

Hollywoodbets has long been a household name in sports betting and online gaming, so adding poker is a natural next step. For the first time, South African players can join a trusted local site to play poker instead of turning to international platforms.

Why This Launch Matters

Poker hasn’t had the same growth in South Africa as sports betting or online slots. Until now, there have been very few large-scale options for local players. That’s what makes this deal so important — it’s the first time poker has been offered through a local operator with the right tech and the right brand behind it.

EvenBet’s CEO, Dmitry Starostenkov, called the launch “a landmark moment” for both the company and the continent. He highlighted how Africa is ready for poker, thanks to more people using smartphones, better internet access, and growing interest in games of skill.

Hollywoodbets’ Head of Product, Wayde Dorkin, was just as excited, saying this new addition gives players “world-class online poker action” with the same trust and quality Hollywoodbets is known for.

EvenBet’s Global Expansion

This isn’t EvenBet’s first big move. In 2024, the company went live in the Netherlands after securing approval from the local regulator. It also partnered with Colombian operator FullReto, boosting its presence in Latin America. South Africa is the latest stop in their global push, and it’s a clear sign they see the region as a long-term growth market.

What South African Players Can Expect

For poker fans, this is big news. Here’s what the new platform promises:

• Secure play with the backing of Hollywoodbets’ trusted brand.

• Mobile-friendly design, perfect for players who prefer gaming on their phones.

• A true poker community, with tournaments and different formats to come.

It’s the first time South African players have a homegrown, fully functional poker site that feels on par with international standards.

A New Chapter for Local iGaming

This launch isn’t just about poker. It’s about showing how Africa’s online gaming scene is expanding. Sports betting has been the main attraction for years, but the addition of poker brings more variety and more ways for players to enjoy themselves.

If the Hollywoodbets and EvenBet partnership takes off, it could spark further growth across the continent. For now, though, South African poker fans can finally enjoy a platform built with them in mind.