Duro Ikhazuagbe holds a revealing conversation with Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director, Betking, one of the emerging leaders in the Nigerian sports betting landscape,
Congratulations on BetKing’s sixth anniversary. How would you describe the platform’s journey, growth, and challenge over these six years?
Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey. We started small, but with the support of our customers, agents, and employees, we’ve expanded our offerings, improved technology, and established a strong presence in the Nigerian betting industry. In six years, I can say that navigating industry changes, adapting to market dynamics, and maintaining a competitive edge has been notable. At BetKing, we address these by staying agile, investing in relationships and technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to meet evolving industry demands.
What sets BetKing apart from other online sports betting platforms, particularly in the Nigerian market?
Our commitment to providing users a seamless and enjoyable experience sets us apart. From an intuitive interface to innovative features like live betting through our Android app, we prioritise technological advancements to enhance user engagement. We also prioritise user satisfaction as a core value. Our customer-centric approach includes prompt and efficient payouts, fostering trust and reliability among our users. This commitment to customer service and satisfaction distinguishes BetKing in the competitive online betting landscape.
Additionally, our emphasis on responsible gaming sets us apart. We prioritise the well-being of our users by promoting safe and responsible betting practices, aligning with regulatory standards and ethical considerations.
In essence, BetKing’s unique combination of a user-centric approach, diverse betting markets, technological innovation, and a commitment to responsible gaming collectively position us as a standout player in the Nigerian online sports betting market.
Given the dynamic nature of the betting industry, how has BetKing stayed innovative and relevant to its users’ changing preferences over the past six years?
BetKing prioritises innovation through regular technology updates, introducing new betting markets, and enhancing user experience. By closely monitoring industry trends and listening to user feedback, we ensure our platform remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of our users.
Moreover, we consistently invest in technological upgrades and enhancements. Regular app updates, responsive web design, and cutting-edge technologies enable us to provide a seamless and engaging user experience. Staying ahead of technological trends is a key strategy for our success.
Maintaining customer trust is crucial in the betting industry. How has BetKing tackled the challenge of building and sustaining trust with its user base over the six years?
Trust is paramount for us. BetKing has consistently paid its winners their winnings and maintained clear communication with our users. We provide comprehensive information about our operations, terms, and conditions, ensuring that our users are well-informed. This transparency extends to our commitment to responsible gaming, where we actively educate users about the importance of safe betting practices.
We have a robust security infrastructure in place to safeguard user data and transactions. As mentioned earlier, our investment in cutting-edge technology ensures that user information is protected against potential threats, bolstering confidence in the security of our platform.
BetKing places a strong emphasis on customer support. Our dedicated support team is available to assist users with any queries or concerns promptly. This commitment to excellent customer service fosters a positive user experience and reinforces our dedication to user satisfaction.
Lastly, BetKing actively engages with user feedback and continuously seeks ways to enhance our platform. This commitment to improvement demonstrates our responsiveness to user needs and underscores our dedication to providing an exceptional betting experience.
How does BetKing prioritise responsible gaming, and what measures are in place to ensure users gamble responsibly on the platform?
BetKing places an emphasis on responsible gaming by implementing various measures to ensure users engage in gambling activities responsibly on the platform. One notable initiative is BetKing’s partnership with Gamble Alert, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting responsible gambling practices. Through this partnership, BetKing provides users with resources and information about responsible gaming, including self-help tools and access to support services for those who may be experiencing difficulties related to gambling.
Additionally, BetKing incorporates age verification and KYC processes to prevent underage gaming. We also go through a rigorous process of ascertaining SOF for our highly engaged users to ensure that they are not showing signs of problem gambling. In instances where we pick this up, we close such accounts just as we do when we get complaints from users who share their gambling challenges with our customer service team. We promote clear communication about the risks associated with gambling, ensuring that users are well-informed about the potential impact on their well-being.
Regular communication campaigns, both on the website and through various channels, reinforce responsible gaming messages. BetKing encourages users to set financial limits on their accounts, providing tools that allow them to control and monitor their gambling expenditures effectively. In the last two years we have championed the ‘Kings Know When to Stop’ Campaign to encourage our users to take personal responsibility and consider betting as only a form of casual entertainment.
BetKing has become a prominent figure in the Nigerian betting industry. How does the company approach corporate social responsibility (CSR), and in what ways does BetKing give back to the community?
BetKing is dedicated to making a positive impact on society through various CSR initiatives. We prioritise community engagement, sports development, economic empowerment and health. Some of our initiatives include supporting local charities, sponsoring sports educational programmes, and contributing to healthcare projects in the communities we operate in.
In a forward-looking approach, the 2023 BetKing Cares Initiative unfolded over six weeks, spanning eight states in Nigeria. Prioritising health, well-being, and food security, the initiative collaborated with Market Doctors to provide comprehensive health check-ups and distribute essential items like glasses, hygiene kits, and maternity kits in 15 communities. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding the reach of the BetKing Cares Initiative in 2024. Our goal is to touch more lives, furthering our dedication to making a positive and sustainable impact on communities throughout Nigeria.
In addition, BetKing, through KingMakers, passionately sponsored various Youth Academy teams, prioritizing the development of local football talent. The Kidsports Initiative, an after-school football program, identified and nurtured young talents in orphanages, strengthening their skills and potential.
How does BetKing involve its employees in CSR activities, and what role do they play in making these initiatives successful?
Employee engagement is crucial in our CSR efforts. We encourage our team to actively participate in volunteering opportunities and provide them with the means to contribute to local causes. By fostering a culture of social responsibility within our organisation, we amplify the impact of our CSR initiatives.
Running simultaneously with our BetKing Cares Initiatives was the Food Drive led by KingMakers employees. Working together, they supplied essential food packs to families in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. It’s not just a programme; BetKing Cares is our promise to make a positive impact in our communities.
In what ways does BetKing address environmental sustainability, considering the increasing importance of eco-friendly practices?
BetKing actively addresses environmental sustainability by committing to eco-friendly practices. As part of BetKing’s “Month of Good” campaign, the company recently pledged to plant 10,000 trees, contributing significantly to the promotion of a sustainable environment. In addition to tree planting, BetKing is actively engaged in community clean-up activities, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining clean and environmentally responsible spaces.
These initiatives highlight BetKing’s dedication to addressing environmental concerns and aligning with the increasing importance of sustainability practices in today’s global landscape.
As the CEO, what message would you like to convey to BetKing’s loyal users and the broader community on this special occasion?
I want to express my sincere gratitude to our customers, regulators, agents and partners for their unwavering support over the past six years. BetKing is committed to providing the best possible betting experience, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
Committed to providing the best betting experience, we’re excited about the journey ahead. We’ve achieved a lot, introducing new markets, improving our app, and focusing on customer satisfaction and responsible gambling.
Thanks to our loyal and new customers, we’re here to support communities. Ongoing projects like building a stadium in Ifako Ijaiye and upcoming endeavours, including the renovation of healthcare centres and football pitches for tertiary institutions, show our dedication to community development. We believe in the positive impact of sports and look forward to more success with our valued community members.
