Amusnet reinforced its commitment to the South African market by participating as the Official Gamification Partner of the 130th edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The company combined immersive brand activations, race sponsorship, and networking opportunities at one of Africa's most prestigious sporting and social events.
A milestone partnership in South Africa
Thousands of racing fans, industry partners, and fashion enthusiasts gathered at Greyville Racecourse for the 130th edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, held under the theme Country Allure. The event once again showcased horse racing, fashion, entertainment, and South African culture.
Building on its sponsorship of the Amusnet Devon Air Stakes at the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge earlier this year, Amusnet returned as the Official Gamification Partner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the official sponsor of Race 5, the Grade 2 Amusnet Golden Slipper.
"Attending the Hollywoodbets Durban July and experiencing the immense warmth and energy of South Africa was nothing short of spectacular. Sponsoring a race alongside our partners at Hollywoodbets and Race Coast is a proud step forward for Amusnet as we introduce our brand to South African players," said Irina Rusimova, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Amusnet.
Candy Palace comes to life
Throughout the event, visitors explored the Amusnet Candy Palace activation area, inspired by the company's popular slot Candy Palace, one of its top-performing titles. The interactive experience recreated the game's colorful universe, offering guests an immersive connection between Amusnet's digital entertainment portfolio and one of South Africa's flagship lifestyle events.
The activation also hosted the Candy Palace Best Dressed Competition, with the award ceremony led by Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, Miss World South Africa 2024 and Miss South Africa 2026 contestant, together with fashion designer Žarko Jansen van Rensburg. The pair presented the grand prize to Karabo Bapela and Mike Danisa.
Success on and off the track
On the racing side, Palace Of Arvernia, ridden by jockey Craig Zackey, claimed victory in the Grade 2 Amusnet Golden Slipper. Rusimova presented the trophy to the winning team during one of the day's standout sporting moments.
"Seeing our brand at the heart of Africa's biggest racing event was an incredibly proud moment. Seeing Candy Palace—one of our best-performing games—being enjoyed by the local audience further highlights how well our content resonates here. The synergy between the high-stakes excitement on the track and our own passion for delivering premium gaming experiences is clear. This is just the beginning of our deeper connection with this vibrant market, and I couldn't have asked for a more thrilling introduction to the country," added Irina Rusimova, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Amusnet.
Long-term commitment to the market
Beyond the sporting action, the Hollywoodbets Durban July provided an opportunity for Amusnet to strengthen relationships with operators, partners, and key industry stakeholders while showcasing its growing presence in South Africa.
"It was an unforgettable day at Greyville for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. This event is more than just a highlight on the social and racing calendar; it's a brilliant celebration of performance, heritage, and excitement. We look forward to continuing our journey of bringing premium entertainment and localised experiences to the vibrant South African market," said Cameron Green, Country Director South Africa at Amusnet.
By supporting both the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Amusnet continues to expand its footprint in South Africa, reinforcing its long-term strategy of engaging local audiences through premium gaming experiences and high-profile sporting partnerships.
