Who Owns Hollywoodbets? Founder, CEO & History in South Africa

The Hollywoodbets South Africa Homepage Image

Hollywoodbets, founded in 2000 from humble beginnings, started as a small betting shop in South Africa, originally operating under the name Winning Form. Initially focused on horse racing publications, the company soon evolved into a major player in the gaming and online betting industry.

Its first branch opened in Durban, and by 2006, Hollywoodbets launched its online betting platform, followed by a mobile app and other channels like USSD and Phone-A-Bet to help customers place bets more easily.

From a local entrepreneur’s vision, Hollywoodbets has grown into South Africa’s largest licensed bookmaker, with a presence in the UK, Ireland, and Mozambique. Alongside its online casino and sportsbook offerings, it supports local sports, sponsors teams, and contributes to community initiatives.

Today, Hollywoodbets is more than just a betting brand — it’s a leader in South African sports betting, combining innovation with strong local roots.

Below is a snapshot of its history:

Hollywoodbets owner, Owen and the wife, Lesley

Owen Heffer is the owner and founder of the Hollywoodbets online sportsbook and casino. Having moved to South Africa, a nation that was completely foreign to him and his family, through unwavering dedication and tireless effort, he built an enterprise that presently is deeply connected with the color purple; “Think purple, think Hollywoodbets,” which won him an honorary award in 2023 for being a business leader of the year and innovative thinker with a track record of achievements during the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards.

Under the direction of Heffer, Hollywoodbets has been renowned for its extensive variety of betting products and services, in addition to its commitment to responsible gambling. The bookie has taken numerous steps to assist in ensuring that its punters have secure and responsible betting habits, and it has been acclaimed for its undertakings in this area.

Owen Heffer is a highly respected individual in the South African business environment, where his reputation is solidly built. He is highly renowned for his outstanding entrepreneurial drive, coupled with his robust leadership qualities that motivate others around him. In addition, he remains actively involved in the continued growth and evolution of Hollywoodbets, a leading company in the betting business. Owen is passionately devoted to ensuring that he offers the ultimate best betting experience to all his punters, showing his commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence in service delivery.

Hollywoodbets South Africa Mobile App

Hollywoodbets Login from South Africa

Hollywoodbets Sign-Up South Africa

Hollywoodbets is a South African sports betting operator, and have introduced online, telephonic and cell phone betting so that punters can conveniently place their bets anytime, anywhere. To add to the experience, Hollywoodbets has an upmarket environment where the public can bet in comfort and style.

Hollywoodbets’ services consist of a wide range of betting options and exciting products with a quicker turn-around like Betgames, horse racing, and Spina Zonke which attracts thousands of players to visit its branches, website, or app to satisfy their betting needs.

Moreover, being an industry leader, the Hollywood Group believes in making a difference in communities thus it has helped over 300 charitable organizations, 250 development sports teams, and 24 SMEs through its My Community Program. It has also sponsored and partnered with many sporting teams both in South Africa and abroad.

Behind every successful brand, there’s always a team of visionaries steering the ship. Hollywoodbets is no different. While most punters know the company for its iconic purple branding and nationwide presence, few take time to look at the people guiding its growth. Understanding who the Hollywoodbets CEO is and the leadership team behind the brand gives us a glimpse into the strategies, values, and big decisions that have shaped Hollywoodbets into South Africa’s leading bookmaker.

What started as a small betting operation in South Africa has since spread its wings far beyond local borders. Hollywoodbets is no longer just a household name in Durban or Johannesburg, it has become a global betting brand.

The bookmaker has successfully set up operations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, bringing its signature purple branding and community-driven ethos to European markets. In Africa, Hollywoodbets has also expanded into Mozambique, making it one of the few South African operators to truly venture into international territory.

This transition from being a local operator to an international player shows the company’s ambition and adaptability. By understanding different markets and tailoring its services to suit regional betting cultures, Hollywoodbets has positioned itself as a dynamic brand that appeals to punters across continents.

• Official betting partner of Brentford FC;
• Has over 85 retail branches in South Africa;
• My Community Programme & Social Responsibility - sports teams, children's homes, community centers, old-age homes and schools;
• Hollywood Bunny Bar branches which are famous for their authentic Durban curries;
• Well known for horse race betting and the ever-popular Hollywoodbets Durban July;
• Awarded best Corporate Social Investment (CSI), Best Sports Betting Campaign for 2018;
• Voted as KwaZulu-Natal's Brand of the Year at the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards in 2018;