Our Story
The Hollywood Group was first established in 1986 as a publisher of horse racing form guides which later expanded into distribution. At the time, the company consisted of only three Team Members!
With hard work, determination and a willingness to go the extra mile, we opened the first Hollywoodbets branch in Argyle Road, Durban, in the year 2000 which focused on betting.
That first branch would expand to our flagship branch in Springfield Park, and then to over 80 branches across South Africa. We took the leap and joined the online community with the launch of our Hollywoodbets website in 2006 and were at the forefront of online betting. Our Hollywoodbets Mobile Site was created soon after that in 2009 as the business expanded. We gave customers the option to bet anytime, anywhere, and from as little as R1.
We now boast a dedicated and committed Team of almost 6 000 strong who reflect the true essence of our Purple Pride, making us the leading betting operator in South Africa.
Our Story
Our Story
The Hollywood Group was first established in 1986 as a publisher of horse racing form guides which later expanded into distribution. At the time, the company consisted of only three Team Members!
With hard work, determination and a willingness to go the extra mile, we opened the first Hollywoodbets branch in Argyle Road, Durban, in the year 2000 which focussed on betting.
...
That first branch would expand to our flagship branch in Springfield Park, and then to over 80 branches across South Africa. We took the leap and joined the online community with the launch of our Hollywoodbets website in 2006 and were at the forefront of online betting. Our Hollywoodbets Mobile Site was created soon after that in 2009 as the business expanded. We gave customers the option to bet anytime, anywhere, and from as little as R1.
We now boast a dedicated and committed Team of almost 6 000 strong who reflect the true essence of our Purple Pride, making us the leading betting operator in South Africa.
Get To Know More About the Hollywood Group
The Hollywood Group now consists of more than 54 divisions, each delivering unique value to the communities they serve.
Some of our standout brands include:
Star Factory
Hollywoodbets' creative and tech-focused hub, Star Factory, combines innovation with entertainment to enhance the betting experience.
Winning Form
Launched in 1987, Winning Form began as South Africa’s premier horse racing form guide and has since grown into a dynamic group encompassing SplashOut, Star Merchant, Racing Distribution, and Starbar & Café, each leading in its respective field.
SplashOut
SplashOut is the creative force within Hollywoodbets, specialising in bold branding and media solutions. From Winning Form publications to vehicle wraps and stadium takeovers, SplashOut turns visions into reality with standout designs.
Hollywood Foundation
The Hollywood Foundation, established by Hollywoodbets in 2021, focuses on empowering South African communities through education, sports development, and local business support. In 2022, it invested R4 million in educational initiatives, R12.7 million in bursaries, and R750,000 for small businesses. The Foundation's efforts reached 1,065 charitable organizations and impacted over 485,000 individuals, showcasing the transformative power of hope and community support.
Racing Distribution
A logistics powerhouse, Racing Distribution manages a fleet of over 360 vehicles, delivering to key cities across South Africa. Known for precise and timely deliveries, we consistently exceed client expectations.
Starbar & Café
Also known as the Hollywood Bunny Bar, Starbar & Café has been delighting customers with award-winning Bunny Chows and a range of flavorful Indian dishes for over 20 years. With 8 Bunny Bars and 57 Starbars in Hollywoodbets locations nationwide, we’re always nearby when cravings strike.
Our Hearts Beat Purple
Our name was inspired by the racetrack in Los Angeles, USA – Hollywood Park. The royal purple and gold colours are influenced by the winners’ sashes of the biggest race day in the world, the Breeders Cup.
And the Star? Well, Hollywoodbets is home to the Stars. A place where Stars are born, where Stars are discovered, and where Stars have the opportunity to shine!
A Snapshot Of Our History
Meet Our Hollywood Group Ambassadors
At Hollywoodbets we believe in the power of collaboration, this is why we have partnered with various esteemed local figures, celebrating their influence and impact. Our brand ambassadors embody the spirit of excellence and passion. Together, we strive to inspire and uplift, forging meaningful connections with our diverse audience.
akona ndungane
Akona is a former South African rugby union player who played as a wing and centre for the Blue Bulls for most of his career. He briefly played in the South African Sevens side in 2004. Akona represented the Springboks in 2006 and 2007 and was part of the 2007 victorious Rugby World Cup squad.
Anlia Etzebeth
Anlia is a singer, model, and actress. Her recent work includes her international TV debut in “Raised by Wolves” and a role in the local horror film “The Last Sacrament”. Alongside Karlien van Jaarsveld, Robbie Wessels and Ruhan Du Toit, she co-created a song titled “Saam Suid-Afrika” to celebrate the spirit of rugby “gees.”
anthony delpech
Anthony moved to SA from the Seychelles when he was 13, it was then that he started his Jockey career by joining the Jockey Academy. He is a three-time champion jockey. Anthony won the Durban July four times (1998, 2004, 2010 & 2011). He was forced to retire after a career-ending injury in 2019.
Brian baloyi
Brian started playing football in 1993. He played for Kazier Chiefs for over a decade before moving over to the Mamelodi Sundowns in 2004. Brian has gained the nickname “Spydaman” because of his incredible exploits as a goalie. He played for Bafana Bafana and took part in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France alongside fellow Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador, Jerry Sikhosana
carol Tshabalala
Carol started her career when she was 24. She started as a sports information reporter on Kaya FM 95.5. Since then, she has worked at Radio 2000 and SABC. Over a decade later, she joined SuperSport and then 5 years later, Carol became a live studio anchor on Barclay’s Premier League. Carol has gained the nickname the “First Lady of Sport” as she is a pioneer in her field and there was a time where there were very few female sport anchors.
Eben Etzebeth
Eben is one of the only two players to have won back-to-back SA Rugby Player of the Year awards and is also the most capped South African rugby player of all time. He made his international debut for the Springboks in 2012 and has since won 128 caps. He made his Test debut for the Springboks against England in Durban in 2012 – South Africa won 22-17.
Jerry sikhosana
Jerry played most of his career with Orlando Pirates as a centre-forward. He gained the nickname “Legs of Thunder ” after a champion racehorse that was a South African TV character. Jerry was part of the 1995 African Champions League winning team. He also played for Bafana Bafana and took part in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, alongside fellow Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador, Brian Baloyi.
Keshav Maharaj
Keshav worked his way through schools and provincial levels, before making his debut for South Africa against Australia in November 2016. He now plays for the Proteas in the Test, One Day International and Twenty20 International formats, as well as for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins. He has gained the nickname “King of Spin” for his exceptional spinning abilities.
Makazole Mapimpi
Makazole Mapimpi, born in July 1990 in the rural village of Tsholomnqa in the Eastern Cape, made his premier division rugby debut at age 27. From the start, he showcased his talent, scoring 11 tries in 14 appearances. Mapimpi went on to be a key player in the Springboks’ victories at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Notably, he made history as the first South African to score a try in a World Cup Final.
Odwa Ndungane
Odwa is a former South African rugby union player who spent most of his career as a wing for the Sharks. In 2009, he made his Springbok debut during the British & Irish Lions tour. After retiring from professional rugby, he transitioned into a corporate career, founding a civil engineering business and completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2024.
robert marawa
Robert is one of SA’s most recognised sports journalists and a popular TV and radio personality. He got his big break in 1996, as a continuity presenter on SABC 1. Robert also made a name for himself in the radio industry on Metro FM. He has hosted many sports shows.
teko modise
Teko started his football career playing for local amateur sides, Coventry and City Rebels. He gained the nickname “The General” after his style of play. Teko was scouted at the age of 17 by Steve Mnguni, former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs defender. Teko played for Mamelodi Sundowns from 2011 – 2017, where he became captain. He made his debut for the South African national soccer team in 2007. Teko also took part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Vernon philander
Vernon Philander is one of the finest red-ball all-rounders South Africa has ever produced. Reaching 50 wickets in just seven Tests, he would go on to take 224 wickets in 64 games. Vernon gained the nickname “The Surgeon” because he was known to lead an attack that operated with precision and planning.
Vernon decided to retire from cricket in 2019. In 2021, he was added to the Pakistan Team’s coaching staff for the T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Partnerships
