On Monday, the African Responsible Gaming Network (ARGN) officially launched, with an objective to enhance player protection and address gambling-related harm across the continent. This initiative unites responsible gaming organizations, researchers, and treatment specialists, representing a significant advancement in combating gambling issues in Africa.
Focusing on fostering connections among various stakeholders, the ARGN is committed to four strategic priorities:
1. Compiling a pan-African gambling harm report that encompasses research, emerging trends, and evidence from different nations;
2. Creating a directory for treatment, recovery, and support services available to individuals impacted by gambling harm throughout Africa;
3. Formulating policy recommendations and practical measures to assist regulators and policymakers in reinforcing responsible gaming frameworks;
4. Coordinating initiatives for awareness and prevention that can be implemented across numerous African markets.
Lebo Seoheng has been appointed as the ARGN president. Seoheng, who serves as the advocacy and communications manager at the South African Responsible Gaming Foundation, highlighted the importance of this network's formation in light of the growing online gambling market in Africa and the need for stronger measures regarding player protection and responsible gambling.
The fragmented nature of responsible gambling efforts across the continent is a concern addressed by founding member Ladipo Abiose Akolade, founder of the GamblePause Initiative Africa. Akolade explained that the ARGN was created to foster collaboration among organizations tackling gambling problems, as many efforts currently exist within individual countries. “Problem gambling is becoming a bigger issue across Africa, and there has been limited opportunity to learn from each other, share research, or work together on common challenges,” Akolade stated. “ARGN is not here to replace national organizations or regulators, but to support and amplify existing efforts by connecting stakeholders.”
The network aims to advocate for some foundational principles rather than uniform regulations across different countries. Akolade emphasized that each African nation has its own legal guidelines and cultural contexts, thereby requiring tailored approaches. However, he pointed out the necessity for universal principles to safeguard minors, promote responsible advertising, and ensure access to support for individuals affected by gambling harms.
Regarding the responsible gambling measures sought by the ARGN, Akolade expressed aspirations for establishing minimum player protection standards across African markets. The goal is to advance responsible gaming requirements from mere paperwork to actionable regulations. “We would like to see improved measures such as effective age verification, self-exclusion systems, and standards for responsible gambling advertising,” he stated. “The current landscape often pays lip service to responsible gaming without concrete player protection structures, apart from superficial awareness campaigns.”
The launch of the ARGN comes on the heels of the inaugural Africa Safer Gambling Week, organized earlier this month by the African iGaming Alliance. Peter Kesitilwe, CEO of the alliance, expressed optimism that this weeklong event would mark the beginning of a new collaborative spirit in promoting player protection on the continent. He emphasized that while the campaign lasts for just a week, the commitment to responsible gambling should be ongoing throughout the year.
