SportsBook Engine has made history as Africa’s first indigenous gaming software provider, marking a significant milestone for the continent’s gaming landscape. This achievement underscores the innovative capabilities of the company and highlights the immense potential within Africa’s gaming sector.
Revolutionizing the Industry
With this groundbreaking development, SportsBook Engine is set to transform the gaming industry, equipping operators and enthusiasts with advanced technology and unmatched expertise.
Austin Udu, the Managing Director and CEO, expressed his excitement about this accomplishment, sharing his journey from a fresh graduate to the head of the first African-owned gaming software provider.
Austin Udu’s Journey
Udu began his career as a job-seeking graduate before becoming an agent for a sports betting operator. He described his path as purposeful and strategic.
He stated, “My journey in the gaming sector began with a one-year tenure at a prominent betting company as an agent, focusing on sports betting shop management. I then spent eight years at a virtual game company, honing my skills in game development and user engagement.”
Recognizing the growing potential in sports betting, he used this experience to launch his own ventures.
Udu’s partnership with Nairabet lasted two years, after which he established his own sports betting company, Alphabet, in Delta State. His entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of Austrian suppliers, leading him to represent them in Nigeria and Africa.
Building a Legacy
Udu now oversees three successful gaming companies with a presence in Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Gambia, and Tanzania. He recalls his early days: “I was an agent at Nairabet and faced challenges with location. Eventually, I realized I could do more than just be an agent.”
He transitioned from agent to operator in just four months, leveraging his knowledge to float a betting company in Delta State. “I made deeper inquiries about virtual games from my provider, which led to my development as a representative in Africa,” he said.
After eight years of consolidating his expertise, Udu decided to develop a software product in Nigeria, with commercial operations starting in 2022.
Sportsbook Engine Future Aspirations
In the coming weeks, SportsBook Engine is set to achieve a GLI certification, a critical international standard in the gaming industry. Udu aims for the company to become a top software provider not only in Africa but also in Asia and Europe within the next five years.
“We want to be among the top three in the industry, inspired by companies like Interswitch,” he said. “When you think of gaming software, we want you to think of SportsBook Engine.”
Supporting Local Growth
Udu believes that supportive government policies are essential for local companies. “There should be a policy ensuring that whatever can be sourced locally in the gaming industry stays in Nigeria,” he emphasized.
He acknowledges the challenges but remains committed to contributing to Nigeria and Africa’s development. “We are solving problems for companies that can’t afford foreign software, thus keeping revenue within the country,” he explained.
Udu aims to replicate the success seen in other industries, ensuring that the financial benefits of the gaming sector remain in Nigeria, ultimately contributing to national growth.
