On Monday, the African Responsible Gaming Network (ARGN) officially launched, aiming to enhance player protection and combat gambling-related harm across the continent. This initiative unites various stakeholders, including responsible gaming organizations, researchers, and treatment specialists, in a collective effort to address the growing concerns associated with gambling in Africa.
The ARGN is positioned as a significant advancement in the fight against gambling-related issues, fostering collaboration among representatives from numerous countries within and outside Africa. The network has outlined four main strategic priorities:
1. Producing a pan-African report on gambling harm that encompasses research, emerging trends, and evidence from across the continent.
2. Creating a comprehensive directory of treatment, recovery, and support services available for those affected by gambling harm.
3. Formulating policy recommendations and practical guidelines to assist regulators and policymakers in enhancing responsible gaming frameworks.
4. Coordinating awareness and prevention initiatives that can be executed across various African markets.
Lebo Seoheng, advocacy and communications manager at the South African Responsible Gaming Foundation, has been appointed as the ARGN’s president. Seoheng highlighted that the launch comes at a time when Africa’s online gambling market is rapidly growing, making robust player protection and responsible gambling frameworks increasingly vital.
Addressing the continent’s fragmented approach, one of ARGN's founders, Ladipo Abiose Akolade from the GamblePause Initiative Africa, stated that the network was established to unify responsible gambling efforts across Africa. He emphasized the need for collaboration, noting that while many organizations are making strides in their individual countries, there has been limited opportunity for shared learning and mutual support.
"We felt there was a gap for a continent-wide network that could connect organizations, encourage collaboration, and help build a stronger collective voice on player protection," Akolade explained. He clarified that the ARGN is intended to support existing national organizations and regulators rather than replace them.
Furthermore, Akolade stressed that the network aims to advocate for common principles rather than identical regulations across African nations. Each country has its own legal framework, culture, and market development stage, necessitating tailored approaches. However, Akolade asserts that basic principles related to responsible gambling should be consistent, including protecting minors, providing self-exclusion options, promoting responsible advertising, and offering access to support for those affected by gambling harm.
When inquired about specific measures ARGN seeks to implement, Akolade indicated a desire to establish minimum player protection standards across African markets. He called for a shift from nominal regulations to enforceable measures that actively safeguard players.
"We would like to see stronger player protection measures across African markets," he remarked, advocating for stringent age and identity verification, meaningful self-exclusion systems, and enhanced access to counseling and treatment services.
"Currently, there's a superficial approach to responsible gaming, with minimal effective measures beyond general messages about gambling responsibly," he added, highlighting the need for substantial standards in player protection.
The ARGN’s launch follows the first Africa Safer Gambling Week, which occurred earlier this month, hosted by the African iGaming Alliance. CEO Peter Kesitilwe expressed hope that this initiative heralds a new era of cooperation and enhanced player protection efforts.
"We want Africa Safer Gambling Week to foster ongoing collaboration. Responsible gambling needs to be a continuous practice, not just a week-long initiative," he stated.
