Amusnet has shown its support for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, a South African horse racing event, as its Official Gamification Partner.
Hollywoodbets Durban July celebrated its 130th edition this year with the Country Allure theme, showcasing sport, fashion, entertainment, and South African culture.
The partnership between the event and Amusnet sees the iGaming supplier build upon its support of horse racing, returning to the Greyville Racecourse after sponsoring Race 5 – the Amusnet Devon Air Stakes at the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge earlier this year.
Irina Rusimova, Chief Commercial Officer at Amusnet, commented: “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.”
Amusnet has also become the official race sponsor of Race 5 – the Grade 2 Amusnet Golden Slipper. Rusimova presented the trophy to the winner of that race, which was won by Palace Of Arvernia and jockey Craig Zackey.
At Hollywoodbets Durban July, Amusnet hosted visitors at the Amusnet Candy Palace activation area. Inspired by its Candy Palace title, guests were able to step into the game’s universe, designed around sweets, while also celebrating and connecting with others at the event.
The CCO stated: “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.”
The Candy Palace activation also held a Best Dressed Competition, ‘celebrating the creativity, confidence, and elegance that have become synonymous with the Durban July’.
A prize ceremony was hosted by Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, Miss World South Africa 2024 and a Miss South Africa 2026 contender, and fashion designer Žarko Jansen van Rensburg. Together, they presented the grand prize cheque to Karabo Bapela and Mike Danisa.
Cameron Green, Country Director South Africa at Amusnet, added: “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.”
