Africa’s regulators, operators, industry organisations and responsible gambling bodies are taking part in the first Africa Safer Gambling Week, a continent-wide campaign focused on player protection and public awareness.
Led by the African iGaming Alliance (AiA), the initiative is intended to strengthen responsible gambling practices, give consumers better information and address gambling-related harm. The programme will use #PlaySafeAfrica as its campaign banner.
Stakeholders across African markets are participating on social media during the week. The schedule also includes media briefings, a five-day public awareness campaign, community outreach initiatives and a continental webinar.
Industry commitment to player protection
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, Chief Executive Officer of AiA, said the association would continue supporting player safety through programmes such as Africa Safer Gambling Week.
“As Africa’s gambling industry continues to grow, player protection must grow with it. Africa Safer Gambling Week brings regulators and industry together around a shared commitment to safer gambling and stronger consumer protection,” Kesitilwe said.
“We fully support consumers having the tools and information they need to gamble responsibly. This week, like every week, is about ensuring our customers’ safety.”
Olabimpe Akingba, Board Member at AiA and Head of Responsible Gaming at pawaTech, said the campaign represented a move from discussions about cooperation between African jurisdictions to practical action.
“And what better place to demonstrate that commitment than through player protection? The Africa Safer Gambling Week is our collaboration in action,” Akingba said.
Black market concerns
The campaign comes as gaming boards in several African markets face reports of unlicensed gambling activity. The concerns include the effect of illegal operators on vulnerable players and the gambling-related harm associated with the black market.
Moruntshi Kemorwale, CEO of the Gambling Authority of Botswana, recently said Botswana was under pressure from the illegal market and the harm linked to gambling.
South Africa’s National Gambling Board issued a gambling warning last month, saying that offshore platforms were targeting young people. It reported that 36.4% of South Africans aged 15-24 were without work.
Africa Safer Gambling Week is planned as an annual programme. Its stated aim is to highlight how stakeholders can build and support an African gambling industry that protects its players.
Source: iGaming Expert
