A WARRINGTON-based bookmaker has launched a major partnership with South Africa’s largest online betting company.

Betfred, which is headquartered in Birchwood after being established by Fred Done 55 years ago, has taken a majority shareholding in LottoStar.

LottoStar has quickly developed itself as a leading brand, recognised nationally across South Africa, which offers fixed-odds numbers betting and live games on its online platform.

The partnership further adds to Betfred’s presence in South Africa, in which the firm currently operates 53 shops and an online business after the acquisition of Betting World and Sepels Sportsbet.

“We are delighted to partner with such a fast-growing company in South Africa,” said Betfred chief executive officer, Joanne Whittaker.

“The business will not only complement our activity in South Africa, but our international businesses in the United States and Europe.

“We look forward to working closely with the LottoStar team to support the continued growth of the business, providing world-class games and services to the online betting market in South Africa.”

LottoStar’s founder and chief executive officer, Tasoulla Hadjigeorgiou, added: “LottoStar was founded in 2014 as a family-run business with an innovative model to offer a fixed-odds betting online platform in South Africa.

“As an online betting leader in South Africa, we are excited to partner with one of UK’s best bookmakers.

“We are confident that this partnership will broaden our offering and provide our customers with the highest quality services.

“Our partnership also paves the way for greater collaboration and expansion, and we are excited to grow our family.”

Betfred started with just one shop in Salford in 1967 after it was founded by brothers Fred and Peter Done.

It now operates 1,470 shops in the UK and a successful online business, while it has also expanded into the USA, Spain and South Africa.