Suren Rampersadh is the CEO of Hollywoodbets, a prominent South African betting company that has expanded its operations internationally. He has been a driving force behind Hollywoodbets' growth and transformation, having partnered with Owen Heffer in 1986, which laid the groundwork for the betting empire. Their collaboration led to the launch of Winning Form, a publishing company producing racecards for horse racing events, which eventually evolved into Hollywoodbets in 2000.
Rampersadh's leadership has been instrumental in the company's success, earning him recognition as the Best CEO in the Gambling Industry in 2018. Under his guidance, Hollywoodbets has expanded into various sectors, including software development, logistics, and signage, creating over 6,000 jobs. The company has also made significant contributions to the South African economy, sports development, and community initiatives through the Hollywood Foundation, supporting over 2,300 sporting initiatives and impacting over a million people through education initiatives.
Hollywoodbets has grown from humble beginnings as a small betting shop in 1998, co-founded by Heffer and Rampersadh, into a major player with numerous betting outlets and offshore operations in countries like Mozambique, Ireland, and the UK. The company has been recognized for its innovation, particularly in embracing online and mobile betting platforms, which significantly expanded its customer base.
As of 2024, Suren Rampersadh continues to be a key figure in the African gaming industry, being celebrated as one of the "Top 50 Most Influential Men in Gaming, Africa" by iGaming AFRIKA. His ongoing leadership at Hollywoodbets solidifies its position as a dominant force in the gambling and sports betting industry, with a focus on both business expansion and social responsibility.
Career History
| Company | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| HollywoodBets | Group Chief Executive Officer | – present |