Crucial Compliance Collaborates for Responsible Gambling in Africa

In an effort to prioritize responsible gambling in Africa, Crucial Compliance, following the establishment of its African offices in Rwanda, organized an advocacy workshop in Lagos, Nigeria.

The workshop aimed to educate young people on safer gambling, understanding vulnerability, and gambling regulations. It was conducted in collaboration with Teens Can Code, a nonprofit organization promoting access to technology for young Africans, and Virtually Safe, an online-focused child protection organization based in the UK.

Crucial Compliance CEO Paul Foster emphasized the significance of partnering with local organizations deeply rooted in communities to gather diverse perspectives on gambling and its potential harms. Recognizing the need for tailored approaches in different countries, cities, and communities, the collaboration allowed Crucial Compliance to engage with the Nigerian community and receive insights from leading brands such as Betway, charity GambleAlert, and various gamblers and young individuals.

Comparing gambling harm prevention in Africa, specifically Nigeria, to other continents and jurisdictions, Foster highlighted that gambling is deeply ingrained in the African culture and often perceived as a way to earn extra money. Dispelling this misconception and raising awareness about responsible gambling formed the basis of Crucial Compliance's approach. To better understand local needs, the company conducted Hackathon events, fostering discussions on prevention strategies such as education, training, operator intervention, and utilizing technology for counseling and support.

Crucial Compliance has been actively building brand awareness, hosting Hackathon events, and engaging with local stakeholders, including betting operators, government departments, regulators, and gambling boards. Foster expressed that there is a growing awareness of gambling-related risks and a desire for change in the African continent. Additionally, the entry of overseas operators without the same level of consumer protections as in Western countries has further emphasized the need for player protection initiatives.

When discussing attitudes toward harmful and underage gambling, Foster mentioned an issue of underage gambling in Africa, possibly influenced by poverty levels. While regulatory landscapes vary across African countries, many are striving for a balance of consumer awareness and improved age verification methods.

Regarding the link between mobile phone access and gambling harm in Nigeria, Foster acknowledged that internet and smartphone accessibility is widespread, but traditional forms of gambling, such as betting shops and mobile wallets, are still prevalent. Local betting shops often serve as social spaces where friends engage in betting activities.

Looking ahead, Crucial Compliance aims to take an evidence-based approach to its strategy in Africa by collaborating with gambling boards, NGOs, the education sector, and researchers. The company is committed to supporting compliance, exploring player protection measures, and encouraging gaming brands to make positive contributions to their communities. Foster emphasized the importance of ongoing partnerships and conversations with various stakeholders to effect meaningful change in the African gambling industry.

By fLEXI tEAM