Delegates from Botswana, Kenya, Swaziland and Tanzania are among those attending the meeting, where the growing threat of illegal gambling will be a key focus.

Boitumelo Qalinge, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the North West Gambling Board, said the conference aims to strengthen cooperation and improve regulatory responses across Africa.

“The conference will be attended by various Member States from different countries on the continent. Action is to be taken against illegal gambling. Illegal gambling is a big, big problem for the industry as it undermines public trust and deprives governments of critical revenue.

“We aim to promote public awareness campaigns and give guidance to operators to promote self-exclusions, promote spending limits and promote responsible play,” Qalinge said.

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–