Cell C, a South African mobile phone operator, has revealed that it has partnered with online betting company ClickaBet in terms of which it will launch a new mobile sports wagering service.
The partnership will see Cell C and ClickaBet using a USSD interface for the service allowing Cell C subscribers to place bets from a mobile phone.
The USSD service will provide subscribers with access to rugby, soccer and tennis markets at launch, with additional sports to be added in the near future.
Cell C customers can purchase a ClickaBet prepaid debit card at Cell C stores with FICA documentation, in order to register for the offering at a cost of R57 for the card, with users receiving betting credit of R25. ClickaBet will match subscribers’ first deposit rand-for-rand, up to an amount of R2.000.
Although betters using the service through Cell C will not be able to use the ClickaBet website to place bets or manage their accounts, the companies are working on integration.
Craig Venter, Chief Executive at ClickaBet, commented that online sports betting has shown a significant increase in activity over the years in the country. He added that other mobile phone operators have launched a similar service in Nigeria, Tanzania and Kenya but that this will be the first of its kind in South Africa.
Cell C’s ClickaBet prepaid debit cards have already launched in Gauteng and is due to launch around the country by December of this year.