The African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA) is holding a four-day Chief Executive Officers Forum in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa (SA). The forum brings together industry leaders, regulators and policymakers from across the continent.
ALGA Chief Executive Officer Musa Mngadi said discussions were focused on aligning regulatory intentions and developing practical solutions to long-standing challenges within the gaming industry.
Africa’s gambling and lottery market faces pressure from rapid growth in online betting, illegal operators, inconsistent regulation, consumer protection concerns and weaknesses in responsible gambling measures.
Mngadi warned that current growth in online gambling was not sustainable. According to Mngadi, gambling revenue was placing pressure on other sectors expected to make productive contributions to national economies.
Mngadi called for a coordinated approach to governance, regulation and fiscal policy. Governments must recognise fiscal policy as a central part of effective gambling regulation, Mngadi said.
Cross-border betting platforms remain a major concern because licensing requirements differ across African jurisdictions. Mngadi said any platform operating without a licence in SA should be regarded as illegal.
Revenue generated through unlicensed platforms often leaves SA without contributing to taxes or public welfare, according to Mngadi.
Regulators are considering stronger enforcement measures, improved data sharing and coordinated controls to prevent illegal platforms from moving money outside African economies.
Technology could assist authorities through measures such as blocking illegal websites. However, Mngadi said effective action would require regulatory frameworks allowing enforcement agencies to implement available technological solutions within existing laws.
The forum includes Chief Executive Officers from regulatory boards, allowing discussions to move beyond general recommendations towards implementation and accountability.
Mngadi said agreements reached during the opening day showed progress towards coordinated action across participating jurisdictions.
ALGA wants the remaining sessions to produce accountable action plans, clearer responsibilities and practical steps for strengthening cooperation among African regulators.
–ChannelAfrica–
