ChatBet and iSolutions Join Forces to Boost Conversational Betting in Africa

ChatBet, a provider of conversational betting and transactional messaging, has struck a partnership with iSolutions to broaden the reach of AI-driven betting across Africa and other emerging markets. The deal lets sportsbook operators on the iSolutions platform embed ChatBet’s technology, allowing users to explore markets, build bet slips, and complete wagers through WhatsApp, Telegram, and web- or app-based chat widgets.

Targeting Mobile-First Users

The collaboration is designed to help operators engage players via channels they already use daily, sidestepping the friction of traditional sportsbook apps and mobile websites. With messaging platforms already central to how African consumers communicate, transact, and interact with brands, the region presents a strong opportunity for conversational betting. By merging iSolutions’ platform infrastructure and operator network with ChatBet’s conversion technology, the firms aim to make betting more accessible, intuitive, and locally relevant.

Executive Perspectives

Josh Swerdlow, founder and CEO of ChatBet, noted that iSolutions offers a strong platform partner for scaling across Africa and high-growth markets. "In many of these markets, messaging is already the primary digital interface," he said. The goal, he added, is not to push players into another app but to let them discover, engage, and transact through familiar conversations. Swerdlow described the partnership as a way for iSolutions operators to easily add conversational betting as a new channel for acquisition, engagement, and transactions.

Filippo Ceci, co-founder and director of iSolutions, explained that his company’s policy is to integrate the best products available based on client needs and supported by its consultancy. "Our operators drive their own business strategies," Ceci stated. The partnership with ChatBet reflects that approach, he said, noting that conversational betting is particularly well-suited to Africa and other mobile-first markets, and that iSolutions is pleased to make the technology available across its operator network.

Initial Deployment and Background

ChatBet and iSolutions are already working on an initial operator deployment, with further launches expected across the iSolutions platform network. This follows ChatBet’s debut in April, when Bola Group announced the launch of the conversational betting platform, calling it a first for Africa. Hilton Hasson, CEO of Bola Group, described the launch as a significant milestone. "Our teams have spent six months working on something that has never existed in Africa before," Hasson said. ChatBet first went live in Zambia and has plans to expand into Zimbabwe and Malawi as part of its growth strategy.