Hollywoodbets
From Durban racecards to South Africa's betting giant
One of SA's largest bookmakers with extensive horse racing and sports markets.
Hollywoodbets began in 1986 as Winning Form, the small Durban publisher that produced and distributed racecards for South African racing, a business it still owns today. Founded by the Heffer family, it opened its first bookmaking branch on Argyle Road in Durban in 2000, taking its name from Los Angeles' Hollywood Park racecourse. Its headquarters remain in uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.
Today Hollywoodbets operates more than 80 branches and is licensed in South Africa, Mozambique, Ireland and the UK. Racing remains the heartbeat: it holds naming rights to Greyville and Scottsville racecourses, title-sponsors the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and completed its acquisition of Gold Circle, the KZN racing and TABgold tote operator, in May 2025. The Punters Challenge tipping competition keeps the community engaged year-round.
ABC members choose Hollywoodbets for its depth: fixed-odds and tote racing, a huge sportsbook and casino, a slick mobile app and local banking options that just work. Its rise from racecard printer to one of the world's top 50 gaming brands (iGaming Business, 2019) is a success story every South African punter can appreciate.
Today Hollywoodbets operates more than 80 branches and is licensed in South Africa, Mozambique, Ireland and the UK. Racing remains the heartbeat: it holds naming rights to Greyville and Scottsville racecourses, title-sponsors the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and completed its acquisition of Gold Circle, the KZN racing and TABgold tote operator, in May 2025. The Punters Challenge tipping competition keeps the community engaged year-round.
ABC members choose Hollywoodbets for its depth: fixed-odds and tote racing, a huge sportsbook and casino, a slick mobile app and local banking options that just work. Its rise from racecard printer to one of the world's top 50 gaming brands (iGaming Business, 2019) is a success story every South African punter can appreciate.
Key Facts
- Founded 1986 as Winning Form racecard publisher in Durban; first betting branch opened 2000
- 80+ retail branches; licensed in South Africa, Mozambique, Ireland and the UK
- Durban July title sponsor since 2022; naming-rights partner of Greyville and Scottsville; completed Gold Circle/TABgold acquisition in May 2025
- Punters Challenge free-to-play tipping comp with jackpots reaching R10 million on Durban July weekend
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