Maha Otu, Betwinner: A new vision for iGaming in Africa
When many people picture the director of an iGaming company, I am not what naturally springs to mind. Firstly, I am much younger than most other people in my position and, secondly, I am a woman in a male-dominated space in Nigeria.
My journey into the position I am in now, like many people in the iGaming industry, was not conventional. I finished my degree in Industrial Chemistry and wanted to work in a brewery. However, after a brief stint with a telecom company, I worked as a customer service consultant for a sports betting company.
From there, everything accelerated. I joined Betwinner as a team lead in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks and, in April 2021, I was promoted to director, becoming the youngest director in Nigeria’s iGaming industry.
Finding myself in this position, especially as a female, was a daunting task, but it was one I have been able to rise to. Now, I feel a profound responsibility to pay it forward; through my role, I mentor young women eager to carve their paths in this exciting industry and help shape the future of the iGaming sector in Nigeria.
While there have been notable advancements, significant disparities still exist in females’ roles in the iGaming sector, especially in Africa. Through my mentorship, I aim to address this imbalance, changing the direction of travel and opening doors for young and powerful women in the industry.
Continued development and iGaming in Africa
On a personal level, I have always been a strong advocate for lifelong learning and self-development. I attained my Master of Business Administration from Nexford University in 2023 and continue to find new and exciting ways to grow professionally.
As I have mentioned, before iGaming, my education was in chemistry. This might not be the conventional route into the world of iGaming, but I want to highlight to other women how diverse and dynamic the iGaming world is. No matter their unique talents and backgrounds, there is a place for them here.
My vision extends beyond just fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment; I am equally committed to nurturing an environment that focuses on ethical decision-making and industry compliance. For Africa to flourish, we must cultivate an iGaming landscape that prioritises these values, putting the safety and well-being of our players first.
During my time at Betwinners, I have played a pivotal role in guiding the company towards these goals, creating a supportive atmosphere where our staff can thrive. I have overseen diverse initiatives, from business development and marketing to strategic growth efforts, all while solidifying our position as a leading platform in the burgeoning Nigerian market.
An emerging power
The African sports betting market has the potential to be one of the most important in the world, and I want to be at the forefront of that. The development of new technologies, such as AI, helps us to personalise the sports betting experience in ways that have never been done before and we can play a major role in these developments.
I believe Nigeria has a pivotal role to play in this. My country has a strong sporting heritage and is one of the fastest-growing economies on the continent. The possibilities here are endless and I am convinced that we can make a profound impact on the global stage.
To nurture these developments, we must promote the best young minds in the country and across the continent and empower women with the skills and support they need to succeed. Women in Africa are uniquely positioned to influence the future trajectory of the sports betting and iGaming sectors. By actively mentoring them, I can make a meaningful contribution to the industry’s evolution while also helping to drive broader societal changes across the continent.
As a mentor, I proudly serve as an ambassador for Women in Gaming Africa, a game-changing initiative spearheaded by the ever-brilliant Lois Bright. This organisation has helped to create a vibrant network of dynamic and innovative female thinkers from across the continent, bringing them together to exchange their collective wisdom and insights.
Through this platform and my personal mentorships, I want to open doors and opportunities for women in Africa. My mission is to remove the barriers that stand in their way, brick by brick, and inspire these incredibly talented young women to reach their fullest potential in this exciting industry.
Celebrating perspectives
A major lesson I have learned while in the iGaming industry is that it champions individual voices and perspectives. It is an industry where you can take risks, push the boundaries and aim high. Each individual perspective is valuable and, as the industry continues to grow, it enables you to grow with it.
In so many male-dominated spaces, female voices are not given the opportunity to be heard. In iGaming, a network of exceptional women works daily to change that. We celebrate one another’s victories, share experiences and open doors for one another and I could not be prouder to be a part of this growing movement.