Emperors Palace, Johannesburg – November 1, 2024. The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) proudly announced the winners of the inaugural Responsible Gambling Awards at a prestigious event held at Emperors Palace.
This milestone celebration not only marks the organization’s commitment to responsible gambling but also honors two decades of impactful work in promoting gambling awareness and providing treatment and counseling to over 20,000 individuals since its inception. The event coincides with the launch of November Responsible Gambling Month (NRGM), an annual campaign dedicated to educating the public about the potential harmful effects of problem gambling.
Since 2016, the SARGF has designated November as Responsible Gambling Month to further its mission of raising awareness and preventing gambling-related harm. During this period, various stakeholders, including gambling regulators and licensed operators, collaborate to promote responsible gambling practices. Notably, this year’s campaign aligns with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the strong correlation between problem gambling and social issues such as domestic abuse and financial difficulties within families.
Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the SARGF, emphasized the organization’s leadership in the realm of Responsible Gambling and highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of regulatory bodies, individuals, and operators who prioritize the well-being of gamblers and their families. She stated, “As we celebrate 20 years of our committed work in this space, it seems fitting that we should also acknowledge those key role-players who strive to create an impactful and caring regulated industry.” The awards serve to raise public awareness about services available to problem gamblers, including free counseling and treatment.
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Hollywoodbets, one of South Africa’s largest gambling operators, is a prominent sponsor of the event, underscoring the vital role licensed gambling entities play in providing awareness and support for responsible gambling initiatives. “Hollywoodbets is proud to sponsor the inaugural South African Responsible Gambling Awards,” commented Zandile Dlamini, Hollywoodbets Legal & Compliance Manager. As a socially responsible operator, Hollywoodbets is committed to measures that combat problem gambling. In line with this commitment, the Hollywood Foundation has expanded its support for the SARGF, increasing the number of counselors from two to five and expanding their outreach to over 80 schools in the upcoming financial year. SARGF Awards
The Responsible Gambling Awards highlight exceptional efforts in promoting responsible gambling practices across various categories. The winners include: in the category of Regulator: Responsible Gambling Initiative of the Year, Gold went to the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board and Silver to the Limpopo Gambling Board.
For Commitment to Responsible Gambling by Operator Over and Above Licence Conditions, Hollywoodbets took the Gold. In terms of Best Innovation in Responsible Gambling Programme, the Gold was awarded to Time Square, Sun International, with Silver going to Sumsub. The Best Emerging Responsible Gambling Programme category recognized the Eastern Cape Gambling Board with Gold, KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority with Silver, and North West Gambling Board with Bronze.
In the Most Requested Responsible Gambling Operator Training category, Tsogo Sun received Gold in the Casino Sector, while Sun International earned Silver and Peermont took Bronze. In the Bingo Sector, Gold went to Gold Rush and Silver to Galaxy Bingo, while in the LPM Sector, Crazy Slots achieved Gold and Pioneer Slots snagged Silver. The Bookmaker Betting and Racing Sector saw Betfred SA claim Gold, 4Racing Silver, and BetXchange Bronze, while 4Racing won Gold in the Totalisator Sector. For Best Responsible Gambling Messaging and Marketing Campaign by a Regulator, the Gauteng Gambling Board received Gold, Eastern Cape Gambling Board took Silver, and Limpopo Gambling Board secured Bronze.
The South African Bookmakers Association won Gold for Best Industry Self-Exclusion Innovation, while Betway, Hollywoodbets, and Tsogo Sun were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze, respectively, for Best Responsible Gambling Messaging and Marketing Campaign by an Operator. The Responsible Gambling Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Dr. Serobi Maja, Jan de Lange, Edward Lalumbe (posthumously), and Chris Fismer.
Through the Responsible Gambling Awards, SARGF aims to foster open dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders with a focus on the health and well-being of players and their families. Simelane-Quntana noted, “The NRGM is an essential component of our public awareness strategy, and we’re excited to see the industry rally behind this initiative.”
About the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation: The SARGF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing gambling addiction and promoting responsible gambling practices in South Africa. The Foundation’s mission includes public education, support for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction, and influencing policy based on research and data.
Through its flagship National Responsible Gambling Programme, SARGF provides free counseling, treatment, and social services to those impacted by gambling, accessible via a 24/7 toll-free counseling line at 0800 006 008 or via WhatsApp at 076 675 0710. SARGF Awards