Betfred has entered into a partnership with LottoStar, South Africa’s biggest online betting operator.

As part of the partnership, Betfred has taken a majority shareholding in LottoStar, which offers fixed-odds number betting and live games.

This deal builds on Betfred’s presence in South Africa, where it currently operates 53 shops. Betfred also operates an online gaming arm in the country, following its acquisitions of Betting World and Sepels Sportsbet.

Joanne Whittaker, chief executive of Betfred, said the partnership would not only bolster Betfred’s operations in Africa, but also internationally. “We are delighted to partner with such a fast-growing company in South Africa, the business will not only complement our activity in South Africa but our international businesses in the United States and Europe,” said Whittaker.