Uniform standards would create a sense of certainty and trust for players. They would know what to expect, regardless of where they are playing, and wouldn’t fall victim to jurisdictions with minimal responsible gambling measures. Establishing this consistency would not only benefit players but also elevate the industry’s reputation across Africa.
iGaming AFRIKA: Congratulations to the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board for hosting the successful Responsible Gambling Summit 2024 and for receiving the Regulator Responsible Gambling Initiative of the Year award. What key takeaways did you gather from the summit?
Robin Bennett: Thank you! The summit underscored the importance of collaboration between regulators and license holders. There is a genuine commitment among license holders to promote responsible gambling, but many of their efforts are discretionary.
One of the major lessons from the summit is the necessity for uniform legislation that mandates all license holders to implement standardized responsible gambling measures. This consistency is crucial for creating a safer gambling environment.
Additionally, we learnt that responsible gambling isn’t just about addressing problem gambling, it’s also about sustaining the industry. When players gamble responsibly, their habits are healthier and more sustainable, which benefits both the individual and the operators in the long term.
iGaming AFRIKA: Online gambling remains illegal in South Africa. What are your thoughts on this, and what can we expect from regulators regarding the future of online gambling in the country?
Robin Bennett: The issue of online gambling is a complex one. At present, there is a bill in progress that aims to regulate online gambling through the proposed remote gambling framework. This legislation is highly anticipated and would provide much-needed clarity and control over the sector.
From a provincial perspective, our hands are tied to some extent, as online gambling regulation has been deemed a national responsibility. For now, we permit online betting but not online gambling. Unfortunately, this creates an opening for the illegal gambling market, which undermines legitimate operators and deprives the government of significant revenue from taxes and fees.
Regulating online gambling is critical—not only to curtail illegal activity but also to ensure the safety and fairness of the industry.
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