Joash Ajuoga, the General Manager of 22BET Kenya, shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of the betting industry in Kenya and the interconnection between operators and regulators.
As representatives from various sectors gathered during the Gaming Tech Summit Africa 2024 to discuss the future of gaming regulation in Africa, Ajuoga offered valuable insights into the collaboration between regulators and operators, the challenges posed by impending legislation, and the potential for a more integrated sector.
“It feels nice to be here. It’s a great opportunity for operators to come together, especially most operators from outside the borders of Kenya to be able to be here this time,” Ajuoga remarked, highlighting the significance of the event for industry players.
Ajuoga who spoke exclusively to iGaming AFRIKA however expressed a desire for broader engagement, noting a lack of representation from vital sectors such as banking and telecommunications. “It would have been good to have them here so that we take a step together,” he added, emphasizing the need for collective dialogue in setting industry standards. Joash 22BET Kenya
Turning to legislative changes, Ajuoga acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the new gaming laws expected to be passed in later in the year. “We just wait for it to be passed first, but we have no choice. We’ll have to align with the law,” he stated, showing awareness of the need for adaptability in the face of change. He remained cautiously optimistic, commenting that while there are pros and cons to the new legislation, he hopes “the pros are more than the cons.”
Collaboration between regulators and operators emerged as a key theme. Ajuoga remarked positively on the current level of engagement, saying, “I give a big thumbs up to our regulator here because the kind of communication we’ve had with them, the kind of leadership that they have brought in is amazing.” He praised the open-door policy that fosters a conducive working environment, allowing for transparency and continuous dialogue.
Looking towards the future, Ajuoga expressed a desire for more defined operational standards that facilitate stability and confidence within the market. “Just coming up with maybe basic standards of operation… to be more comfortable and stable in the market as we move forward,” he suggested, underscoring the importance of setting benchmarks for industry players.