World Sports Betting (WSB)

History & Background

World Sports Betting was established in 2002 by Warren Tannous in Johannesburg, South Africa. Initially a retail-focused bookmaker, the company quickly gained a reputation for competitive odds and broad market coverage. In 2009, it launched its online platform, which – combined with the introduction of WSB Mobi – allowed it to capture a significant share of Africa's emerging digital betting market. Today, WSB is a privately held company with a staff complement of approximately 1,000 employees, ranging from traders and IT engineers to branch managers and cashiers. The company is licensed by the Gauteng & National Gambling Board, ensuring compliance with South African gambling regulations.

Operations & Products

WSB offers a comprehensive suite of betting and gaming products: sports betting on thousands of pre-match and live in-play markets; horse racing with early odds and high limits; lotto and Powerball fixed-odds betting; an online casino featuring slots via the Spina Wina platform, table games, and live game shows; a 24/7 Tele-Bet telephone service; a free-to-play app (WSB Free); and a retail network of physical branches across South Africa. The company also provides a dedicated mobile site and native apps with biometric logins.

Market Position & Partnerships

WSB is widely recognised as a leading African sportsbook, with an estimated annual revenue of $29.9 million and a monthly web visit count of over 211,000. The brand has forged long-standing partnerships with sporting organisations, including the EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) as its official betting partner, and sponsorships across the South African sports ecosystem. WSB maintains a strong focus on responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, and secure payments.

Leadership

The company is led by its founder and Group CEO, Warren Tannous, who has more than two decades of experience in the gaming industry. The executive team also includes Ryno Du Plessis as Group Chief Operating Officer and Ivan Zaltsman as Chief Information Officer, both of whom play key roles in the company's operational and technological strategy.

Technology & Innovation

WSB utilises a range of technology products, including Income Access for affiliate marketing, Power BI for analytics, Cloudflare for security and performance, and custom trading and risk management systems. The company continuously invests in its digital platforms, offering a seamless cross-channel experience across retail, web, and mobile.

Licensing & Regulation

World Sports Betting operates under the Gauteng & National Gambling Board license and adheres to South Africa’s strict gambling laws. It promotes responsible gambling and provides tools for customers to set limits and self-exclude.