Gali Hartuv on How VIP Player Development is Africa’s Next iGaming Frontier

Gali Hartuv, CEO and Co-Founder of WarriorLab, widely regarded as the GOAT of VIP, continues to stand out as a driving force behind player engagement and loyalty strategies in Africa’s rapidly expanding iGaming landscape. Fresh off his recent feature on the cover of Issue Five of iGaming AFRIKA Magazine, Gali shared powerful insights on a topic often overlooked: the evolving role of VIPs in Africa’s gaming market.

Speaking with iGaming AFRIKA during the recent SiGMA Africa conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Gali Hartuv with a sharp focus on personalization, cultural relevance, and long-term value, emphasized how tailored VIP programs are no longer just a luxury—they’re a necessity for operators looking to thrive in this dynamic and competitive space.

While Gali’s career has included many milestones, he described his magazine cover feature as particularly meaningful. “It’s honestly an honor. Like, it’s a highlight in my career… and I’m very grateful to iGaming AFRIKA for giving me the opportunity.”

But behind the accolade lies a serious and much-needed conversation about VIP player management in Africa. Despite the global maturity of VIP programs, many African operators are still building foundational knowledge. “The knowledge and the available expertise in Africa is incredibly limited,” Gali Hartuv shared, emphasizing the need for education and thought leadership in this space.

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However, it is important to note that a positive shift in mindset is already underway. “Companies are becoming more receptive to external help,” Gali added. Just as crucially, African companies are beginning to recognize VIP not as an add-on but a core business function. “Operators are realizing that VIP is not just something nice to have. It’s a must have,” Gali Hartuv stressed.

The recognition of VIP as a standalone priority is already catalyzing a more structured approach across different regions, with programs becoming increasingly tailored to local player behavior and preferences. As the continent’s gaming industry steps into its next chapter, voices like Gali’s are shaping the way forward, ensuring Africa not only catches up but sets a new standard in VIP player excellence.