INSIGHT AFRICA
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
There is a collective drive from many jurisdictions in Africa to start having proper technical standards and regulations in place. Having
countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana, where regulations are in place, helps other markets to see what is working
and what not. Every jurisdiction is different, but technical standards are very similar as the technology being used is the same.
In addition, Kenya has introduced a Gambling Control Bill that aims to establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority to replace the current Betting, Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Te bill is currently before parliament and is expected to be approved soon.
Tanzania
Te Tanzanian government has introduced new regulations for online gambling. Te Gaming (Internet Gaming) Regulations, 2022, provide a framework for licensing and regulating internet gaming activities in the country.
Te regulations cover a wide range of topics, including licensing, operations, player protection, responsible gaming, accounting records, and more. Te regulations also establish rules and procedures for reporting suspicious transactions and handling complaints.
It is unclear how these regulations will impact the online gambling industry in Tanzania. However, it is expected that the regulations will help to promote responsible gaming and protect players from fraud and other illegal activities.
Uganda
GLI has worked with Uganda to develop their technical standards, which cover all gambling modes. Te development and adoption of a robust set of technical standards to govern the integrity of gaming software and equipment. Tis is to ensure that it’s a safe, transparent, and sustainable gambling environment.
Te technical standards will be published via the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) as soon as it is released. Uganda also awarded Ithuba Uganda a 10-year licence to run Uganda’s national lottery. Te national lottery will be operated through the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB). Tis will
allow the government to collect additional taxes.
Taxes will also be raised from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, but this will not apply to sports betting, general betting, pool betting, and bingo. Denis Mudene, Ag. CEO, National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board of Uganda confirmed that it will only apply to casinos, lotteries, and slots due in part to the impracticality of the administration of withholding tax.
How is new legislation in these markets and the success of others, such as South Africa, shaping the legislative thinking in other, non-regulated African jurisdictions?
Tere is a collective drive from many jurisdictions in Africa to start having proper technical standards and regulations in place. Having countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana, where regulations are in place, helps other markets to see what is working and what not. Every jurisdiction is different, but technical standards are very similar as the technology being used is the same.
It does not make sense to re-invent the wheel with technical standards, but attention should be given to what type of product or mode of gambling is allowed, as this will determine the technical standards required. Legislative requirements then also need to be in place for effective regulation.
Compared to global markets such as Latin America, the US and Europe, is Africa as popular with GLI's clients? Is interest waning, or diverting elsewhere? What are the typical conversations you're having?
Africa is becoming more popular to clients, especially where there are clear requirements regarding licensing, technical standards, rules, and regulations. Tere is an increase in interest,
The Seychelles has announced the implementation of a new set of
regulations under the Seychelles Gambling Act, aiming to strengthen control over the online gaming and betting sector. This measure, recently approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, seeks to clarify the
specific categories of interactive gambling for the purpose of issuing licenses, as well as the applicable fees and conditions.
and some big players have started to expand into Africa, but not at the same rate as we have seen with other well-regulated markets.
Te typical conversations are around how well- regulated the markets are and the licensing regime. Most clients want to enter African markets with a stable economic and regulatory framework that will assist in growth.
It is evident that there is potential for operators to create new markets and revenue in Africa, but it is equally clear that it is only a matter of time before regulation around gambling in Africa is ramped up considerably.
Whilst sports betting remains the primary mode of gambling across Africa, are online fixed odds games closing the gap in some jurisdictions?
In certain markets, iGaming is getting traction where there are tech-savvy populations that can contribute to the growth of online fixed odds slot games. Tere is a large growth potential as it is evident that there is a shift from a traditional land-based industry to online. Betting platforms that offer both sports and iGaming will contribute in closing the gap between sports betting and fixed odds games.
What potential legislation and subordinate regulation should we keep an eye out for in 2024? What jurisdictions are on GLI’s radar?
Botswana, Mauritius, and Uganda will be publishing their technical standards soon.
Te Seychelles has announced the implementation of a new set of regulations under the Seychelles Gambling Act, aiming to strengthen control over the online gaming and betting sector. Tis measure, recently approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, seeks to clarify the specific categories of interactive gambling for the purpose of issuing licenses, as well as the applicable fees and conditions.
Kenya has introduced a Gambling Control Bill 2023 in an effort to establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority. Tis bill is currently before parliament and aims to establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority. Once approved, it will replace the current Betting, Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
“Te bill seeks to regulate betting, casinos, and other forms of gambling, including the authorisation of prize competitions, public lotteries, and media promotions,” the bill states.
GLI has a few markets on its radar for 2024, like Kenya, Malawi, Angola, Ghana, and Namibia. We have very strong relationships with many regulators across Africa and will continue to deliver exceptional services, whether it is of a technical or regulatory nature.
We help to ensure the integrity of the gaming industry, and we are proud to say that for nearly 35 years, regulators, suppliers, and operators around the world have come to trust GLI.
WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS P45
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