International Gaming Standards Association expands to Africa

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The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has created a new African division to serve the continent’s gambling industry. GSA Africa will run as a local office, promoting standards across land-based, online gaming, sports betting, and lottery in Africa. IGSA says the new division is one of its core strategic initiatives for 2024.

FK Fayad, CEO of SamPro Group, a holding in the Middle East and Africa, will be the managing director of GSA Africa. Fayad has worked across trade, technology, ICT business, regulation, and government consultancy in Africa, Asia, Gulf Region, and the Middle East.

Fayad also holds a number of other roles with various organizations. These include serving on a panel of advisory and strategic partners to the Nigerian Arab Gulf Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer member of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

“The creation of GSA Africa is another leap forward for IGSA and for the gaming industry,” IGSA president Peter DeRaedt said. “Gaming is expanding rapidly across the continent and, appropriately, each jurisdiction has its own nuanced regulations.

“GSA Africa will function as a guiding voice, bringing the myriad benefits of standards to operators, suppliers, and regulators across the continent.

“We are thrilled FK Fayad will lead GSA Africa. His deep insights and extensive relationships will be crucial to GSA Africa’s success.”

Fayad adds: “It is an honor to lead the newly created GSA Africa. Africa is an exciting part of the global gaming industry, where growth is rapid and poised to continue at a strong pace.

“Bringing IGSA standards to the continent at this phase of its growth is essential; I’m thrilled to lead this charge.”

 IGSA launches cyber and responsible gambling committees

Establishing the new African division is the latest step in IGSA’s ongoing efforts to serve the wider industry.

Last month, IGSA also formed a new Cyber Resiliency Committee (CRC) to create cyber standards for gambling businesses. The committee is focusing on standards for cyber risk management, cybersecurity governance, and framework control standards for casino operators, IGSA members Aristocrat Technologies, Light & Wonder, and AXES.ai have all declared their support for the new committee.

Meanwhile, in June, IGSA’s board also approved the creation of a Responsible Gaming Committee. IGSA said the committee will offer support for regulators and operators with a “multi-tiered framework” called the Responsible Gaming Maturity Model (RGMM).

This approach, it says, will offer the industry a path from discovery to a “highly quantifiable and predictable” responsible gaming model. IGSA adds that the RGMM will help both regulators and operators grow from implanting a basic RG policy to managing a more precise dashboard of KPIs generated from quantifiable data.

 

Source: iGB

 

From the East African Coast to Nigeria: Champions of Africa in Gambling

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Kenya leads in African gambling with 83.90% participation, Nigeria closely follows with 78%, and South Africa boasts 74% participation. Football dominates as the preferred sport for betting in most African countries. In the vibrant tapestry of Africa, gambling has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, especially among the youth.

GeoPoll’s surveys conducted in May 2017 and December 2021 have unveiled intriguing insights into the gambling habits of African nations.

Kenya takes center stage in African gambling, with a remarkable 83.90% of Kenyans admitting to trying their luck with gambling or betting. Surprisingly, this percentage has continued to grow despite regulatory measures.

Nigeria closely follows, with 78% of Nigerians confirming their participation in gambling. Notably, Nigerians also have the highest average monthly spending on bets.

South Africa, known for its diverse betting options, boasts 74% of respondents who indulge in gambling. Intriguingly, lotteries slightly edged out football (29.3% vs. 53%) as the most popular choice for betting.

For the East African coast, Tanzania, where 63% of respondents engage in betting, with football remaining the top choice. Uganda, too, has seen a surge in its betting culture, with 59% participating.

See key highlights below from all key gaming Markets in the continent

CountryPercentage of GamblersPreferred Betting Choice
Kenya83.90%Football
Nigeria78%Football
South Africa74%Football
Ghana70%Football
Tanzania63%Football
Uganda59%Football

 

Source: Business Insider Africa

A crowd at the SBC summit Barcelona 2021

SBC SUMMIT BARCELONA – The Global Betting and iGaming Show

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The SBC Summit Barcelona conference and exhibition is where global leaders in sports betting and iGaming assemble to discuss the future of the industry, exchange knowledge, and build powerful connections. The event already established itself as a must-attend event in the calendar of sports betting and iGaming industry professionals by offering delegates the unique opportunity to reach and network with thousands of attendees from all across the globe and covering all industry verticals.
In 2023, from the 19th to the 21st of September, SBC Summit Barcelona returns to Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc for its third edition in what promises to be the biggest-ever SBC event. Join the industry in Barcelona to explore the most-anticipated product releases across a 38,000 m² exhibition floor that features 350+ world-class operators, suppliers, affiliates, media, and start-ups.

KEY SPEAKERS

With 15,000 industry professionals expected to attend, 4500 of which are operators, 1500 Affiliates, over 350 exhibitors with 450 top-level speakers that include key C-level professionals in the global gambling industry e.g. Mathew Ball – Pioneering Tech Authority, Venture capitalist & Best-selling Author of the Metaverse, Daniel Taylor – CEO Flutter international, Jesper Svensson – CEO Operations Betsson Group, Karsen Fogh – CEO Danske Spil, Gustaf Hagman – CEO & Founder LeoVegas Group, Paris Smith – Advisor Pinnacle Sports, James Curwen – CEO Online OPAP, Fabio Schiavolin – CEO SNAITech, Fredrik Wastenson – CEO Svenska Spel Sports & Casino, Maarja Part – CEO YOLO Group,  Alexander Martin – CEO SKS365, Sam Sadi – CEO Livescore Group among others as the list is long and HOT!

ARRANGEMENT

The floor space has been split into 5 separate zones to make it easier for the delegates to navigate the exhibition and identify the companies that are relevant to their business. The Sports Betting, Casino & iGaming, Payments and Compliance, Affiliate, Marketing and Media and Emerging Tech, Blockchain, and Metaverse will each have their own conference stage, exhibition floor, and networking areas.

The busy conference schedule will boast an unrivaled speaker line-up of 450 industry professionals delivering 80 hours of content across the 8 conference rooms, covering sports betting, casino, iGaming, payments, emerging technologies, innovation, digital marketing, and safer gambling. Additionally, our Full Event Passes give you unrivaled networking opportunities at the hottest spots in Barcelona, where you can connect with influential decision-makers from some of the biggest names in the industry.

SPORTS BETTING ZONE

The Sports Betting Zone at SBC Summit Barcelona is the place to discover everything that is happening in the global sports betting industry. It represents the year’s best opportunity for you to meet influential senior executives and specialists from major international operators, exchange ideas about the latest industry developments, and view the next generation of sportsbook products from innovative suppliers.

Dive into key issues such as the evolving relationship between operators and media companies, the future of esports betting, sports integrity, exclusivity in data rights, and sportsbook product innovation during a series of panels on the Sports Betting Stage.

You can also visit the Sports Betting Zone’s exhibition, which is the place to learn about the new products and services that could give your business a competitive advantage.

The representatives from the hundreds of operators participating in the Sports Betting Zone include C-Level executives and other key decision-makers, such as Sportsbook Directors, Product Directors, and Trading Directors.

And we shall be wrapping it all up in style at “The Magnificent SBC Awards” which will be held at Caves Codorniu, Barcelona, Spain. See key highlights below and click on this link to get more info: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-awards/

Venue address:

Caves Codorniu

Avda. Jaume Codorniu, s/n, 08770, Barcelona, Spain

ON THE EVENING

The SBC Awards 2023 begins at 19:00 when coaches depart from the Fira towards Caves Codorniu, scheduled to arrive at 19:40.As well as the awards ceremony the evening also includes unlimited complimentary beer, wine, and spirits all night, as well as entertainment and DJ.

This year the awards are set to be an evening to remember for the Sports Betting Community so miss at your own risk, Be in Barcelona or be nowhere  “Salud”

Click this link to Register and attend: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-barcelona/

She Cranes “Uganda netball national team” secures Shs68 Million Sponsorship from Gals Sports Betting

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The Uganda Netball National Team, the She Cranes, has secured a Shs68 million sponsorship deal from Gals Sports Betting. The sponsorship will run for one year and will cover the She Cranes’ participation in the 2023 Netball World Cup and the Africa Netball Championship.

The sponsorship was announced by Daniel Ntale, the Federation head of Marketing, who expressed his excitement at the new partnership.

“We are really excited to have another family member on board in the name of Gals Sports Betting Uganda,” said Ntale.

“They have come at a time when we need them the most. We have been lacking funding, and we have expressed a drought due to negativity that has been running around in media and other channels.” “But to put that aside, we are grateful that even amidst all this, there are still people who have trust in us,” he added.

The sponsorship is a major boost for the She Cranes, who are looking to build on their seventh-place finish at the 2019 Netball World Cup. The 2023 Netball World Cup will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 28 to August 6.

Ntale on how She Cranes will use the sponsorship

“As marketing, we bring in money, then the federation decides what to use it for,” said Ntale.

“But of course, the players are the main objective, so they have to take their portion. Money comes into the game because of them, money comes because of the people working the federation, money comes because of good leadership, so all those have to share the cake.”

Gals Sports Betting joins Uganda Airlines and Plascon Uganda as official partners of the Uganda Netball Federation.

The sponsorship is a significant vote of confidence in the She Cranes and their potential to achieve success on the world stage. With the right support, the She Cranes could be a force to be reckoned with at the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Source: Nnalubaale Sports

Uganda Gaming Licence Requirements and Costs

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  1. Proof of payment of Application fees as stated under Lotteries and Gaming (fees) regulations 2017 schedule as attached here under.
  2. Duly filled Licence application form
  3. A cover letter
  4. Certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation/or Registration where the applicant is a company
  1. Certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association where the applicant is a company
  1. Certified copies of Company forms 18 and 20 where the applicant is a company
  2. Where the applicant is an individual, police clearances from Interpol, proof of citizenship, work permits if foreigner and resident here.
  3. Tax Identification number for the applicant
  4. Tax clearance Certificate from Uganda Revenue Authority
  5. Proof of capital adequacy as required by Section 39 of the Act and Regulation 3 of the Lotteries and Gaming (Minimum Capital Requirements) Regulations. See the minimum capital requirement below;
ItemType of LicenceAmount of minimum capital required (UGX)
1.Sports Betting250,000,000
2.Slot Machines250,000,000
3.Manufacture, supply or installation of gaming or betting machines250,000,000
4.Casino operating Licence1,000,000,000
5.National Lottery5,000,000,000
6.Public Lottery250,000,000
7.Pool betting250,000,000
8.Bingo250,000,000
9.Betting intermediary operating licence250,000,000

  1. List of Games rules and equipment that the applicant intends to operate.
  2. Details of premises both principal location and operational premises.
  3. Business plan for the year of business with a Corporate Social Responsibility component.
  4. Details of key employees; CVs, police clearances, proof of citizenship and work permits if foreigners and residents here.
  5. Bank account details
  6. Corporate Social Responsibility plan.
  7. Bank Guarantee of 500,000,000/- in favour of the Board.
  8. Proof of payment of Licence fees upon approval of the application

                                                      SCHEDULE FEES

ItemType of Licence, registration or other matters under the ACT or RegulationsFees Payable (UGX)
1.Application fee to conduct a national or public lottery: (a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

50,000,000

20,000,000

2.Licence fee to conduct a national lottery100,000,000
3.Application fee to conduct a public lottery

(a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

20,000,000

10,000,000

4.Licence fee to conduct a public lottery10,000,000
5.Application fee to operate a casino or a casino operating licence;

(a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

 

50,000,000

20,000,000

6.Licence fee to operate a casino or a casino operating licence15,000,000
7.Application fee for a licence to provide facilities for pool betting or a pool betting operating licence;

(a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

 

 

20,000,000

10,000,000

8.A pool betting or a pool betting operating licence.10,000,000
9.Application fee for a licence to provide facilities for playing bingo, or a bingo operating licence;

(a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

 

20,000,000

10,000,000

10.Licence to provide facilities for playing bingo, or a bingo operating licence;10,000,000
11.Application fee for a licence to provide facilities for betting or a general betting operating licence;

(a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

 

20,000,000

10,000,000

12.Licence fee to provide facilities for betting or a general betting operating licence;10,000,000
13.Application for a licence to act as a betting intermediary or a betting intermediary operating licence; (a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

 

20,000,000

10,000,000

14.Licence to act as a betting intermediary or a betting intermediary operating licence.10,000,000
15.Licence fee to supply gaming machines available for use in a gaming centre or gambling software operating licence. (a) foreigners

(b) nationals

 

 

20,000,000

10,000,000

15.Application for renewal of licence where the previous licence has not expired in accordance with section 47 of the ActNil
16.An application for a special employee licence50,000
17.Registration of gaming or betting machine or device50,000 per machine
18.Transfer of registered ownership of gaming or betting machine or device50,000
19.Approval to lease or transfer possession of a gaming or betting machine50,000
20.Inspection and approval fee for establishing a branch of a casino or any other gaming or betting facility1,000,000

Why some sports betting operators are failing to succeed in Africa

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You wouldn’t expect a pilot about to embark on a transatlantic flight to fail to run through his pre-take-off checks and review the weather forecast for the journey. So why would a business fail to engage in market research before setting out on a particular strategy, product launch, or important decision?

Pilots today face an increasingly complex array of factors they need to take into account — increased air traffic movements, gridlocked airports, more extreme weather events, and new technologies, which are supposed to make their lives easier and less stressful. Similarly, the business environment in Africa differs per market as each market has its own culture, beliefs, and traits which are faced by decision-makers today and are constantly changing.

We would like to extend our expert knowledge to all sports betting and online casino operators that have recently opened operations in Africa or plan to, due to tremendously increased mobile phone and internet penetration that came as a result of over 24 months of lockdowns that were brought about by the unprecedented outbreak of covid-19 to make sure you’re well prepared to succeed just like Pilots are always able to because they make sure to make checks prior their flights.

As fast as the iGaming industry in Africa is growing, please be advised not to jump on the train without taking your time to conduct feasibility market research about the market of your interest, to analyze key factors like what’s the ESTIMATED MARKET SIZE, KEY PLAYERS, POSSIBLE MARKET SHARES, BARRIERS TO ENTRY, LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND COSTS, TAXATION & REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS, REPATRIATION OF FUNDS POLICY, DOUBLE TRADE AGREEMENTS, MARKETING & ADVERTISEMENT STRATEGIES among others. These feasibility market reports will help you make timely decisions while helping you mitigate the investment risk as well. We continue to see sports betting operators close shop after a few years or months of operations e.g., Betway Kenya & Uganda, 10bet Kenya, and Pulsebet Uganda among others as the list is long. While the factors are many that may have been the exact reason for their closure for example Poor marketing and advertisement strategies, product localization failure, wrong choice of market entry into Africa, gaming taxes etc. There’s no doubt most are avoidable if one takes time to prepare themselves and then launch when most boxes are ticked.

Allow us to assist you overcome all the obstacles that are hindering your revenues to take off if you’re starting to worry, for new operators let us assist you straight from feasibility market studies, license application & acquisition, marketing & advertisement, Operations setup, recruiting the right talent that will carry our experience & skills flagship for your long-term success.

The Influence of sports betting on the African Economies

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Betting on sports is currently the most popular form of gambling in Africa. Adults and young locals are particularly fond of wagering on European football, e.g., the English Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and events like the World Cup. Other international sports also get a loyal following here, with many watching and supporting cricket, rugby, horse racing, and basketball. Sports, particularly the passion for soccer, is the bind for most regardless of their culture, language, religion, status, or political persuasion.

For example, roughly 60 million residents aged 18 to 40 actively bet on sports in Nigeria. According to the same survey, Nigerians bet an average of 3,000 Naira or $15 daily.

According to a South African government survey in 2017, sports betting grew 14% yearly from 2008 to 2016. Today, online sports betting makes up 45% of the country’s gambling market, a completely different picture from ten years ago when casinos had an 80% market share. And it’s the same trend in Southern, Central, East, and West Africa. So, it’s unsurprising that the African gambling industry was worth US$ 3,048.05 million in 2021 and will grow by 6.99% until 2030.

Betting on a $3bn gambling market and a dynamic African economy

While gambling and betting laws are contested issues in most parts of Africa, many benefit from its operations. Stories and anecdotes from the region reveal that many see the growing betting industry as a source of income. As betting grows, the economy benefits.

One segment that directly benefits from the industry is the group of small betting shops that often run promotions, including ‘betting points’ for every sports wager. With this regular promo, and during events like the World Cup, their sales go up.

Regional economies also benefit through a boost in employment opportunities. The sudden surge in betting companies has provided locals with employment options, with thousands of Africans working for local and foreign companies. Aside from direct employment, betting companies create jobs by allowing locals to become agents and run their betting outlets. There are partnerships and sponsorships also that benefit other stakeholders. For example, a few European bookmakers have partnered with the Nigeria Football Federation, while Bet9ja was a title sponsor for the Nigerian National League. The same bookmaker has a million-dollar partnership with Big Brother Naija, a popular reality TV show.

African sports betting is unique in that it grows not in isolation but in step with other industries, particularly IT, advertising, and banking. As a result, there’s a symbiotic relationship between the sectors as stakeholders, each benefitting from the other. And some even argue that sports betting has given more in return.

 South Africa

The South African betting market contributes to the region’s economy, which can exceed $2.3 billion by the end of 2023. It’s a significant number since South Africa’s GNP is the third highest in the region. Moreover, with a bigger share per capita, local bettors have more regional purchasing power, allowing them to bet more significant amounts in online sportsbooks and betting shops.

Nigeria

It’s the same story with Nigeria, Africa’s second-biggest gambling market. According to auditing firm PwC, the Gross Gaming Revenue in the country was $58 million in 2018, and at that time, the team projected that it would rise by 16% over five years. But in 2020, it moved past the  $443 million mark. The massive growth of gambling in Nigeria started in 2004 when the ban was lifted.

Kenya

Kenya is another African country with a regulated betting industry. However, its growth slowed down with the introduction of restrictive tax laws. The Kenyan government introduced a 20% tax on bets and a 15% tax on the GGR. While it may benefit tax collections, it eventually backfired, with many operators leaving the Kenyan market.

In other African countries, sports betting’s contribution to their economies is not substantial or clear-cut due to strict laws and regulations. As mentioned, online gambling is illegal in 38 countries, and they still rely on colonial legislation.

 What’s ahead for sports betting and the African economy?

With these mindboggling data on bettors’ activities and revenues, it’s unsurprising that many African countries are looking to tighten tax laws and regulations and generate more revenues from the industry. As betting grows, so will its effect on the regional economy. So, the challenge for the governments and operators is finding a mutually beneficial arrangement for taxation.

And there are the social costs of sports betting, too. As one Uganda-based analyst suggests, the growth of sports betting “threatens to push young men and women into its fatal depths.” The government must consider the growing importance of betting to the African economy.

Source: African Business Communities

Sports Betting East African Summit 2023 is here!

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While Drums, wines, and cocktails along Brazilian cuisine are still in high gear at Grand Hyatt in Sao Paulo Brazil @ the Brazilian iGaming summit with massive networking accompanied by new business opportunities, making new friends, and romantic mistakes!

We at GGC have started sounding the alarms for the upcoming Sports Betting East Africa Summit (SBEA) by Eventus International taking place at Kabira country club in Kampala, Uganda from July 13-14 next month.

Eventus International is a gaming industry exhibition organizer that has been in the business of connecting gaming industry stakeholders for over a decade. With a proven combination of networking, sponsorship, and exhibiting opportunities across all its events that span the entire continent. These events bring industry insight, business development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and networking tributes bridging the gap between B2B and B2C operators thus bringing the gaming industry closer together and closer to achieving a collective goal.

Using their platforms, they offer bespoke sponsorship and exhibition opportunities that can easily position a brand to a targeted audience of professionals, and deliver a high ROI to companies looking to enter a market and/ or strengthen their brand presence.

Reach out for Sponsoring or Exhibiting opportunities at the upcoming Sports Betting East Africa Summit (SBEA+) 2023 for the opportunity to have one-on-one interactions with key East African gaming industry stakeholders, acquire new business ideas from so many professional speakers that range from Regulatory boards and its C-level executives, Sports betting, casino and lottery operators, consultancy firms, Africa centric media firms, law firms among other delegates that will grace the show.

For more info: https://www.sportsbettingevents.com/sbea

2023 International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) Conference is in Action

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While most iGaming professionals are gearing up for the iGaming Next show in Valletta on 21-22 JUNE, The International Association of Gaming Regulators 2023 conference doors are open too!

International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is a leading international industry body for gaming and gambling regulators, that was established in the early 1980s as an adjunct to the International Association of Gaming Attorneys, IAGR became an incorporated non-profit association in 2011 and in doing so started to provide a voice for governments, gaming regulatory agencies and personnel, and representatives from the international gaming industry representing jurisdictions and regulators across the globe, IAGR informs, advocates educates, protects, and unifies members.

IAGR provides a forum for gaming regulators from around the world to meet, learn best practice techniques & strategies, network, and exchange views, share information, and discuss legislation, policies, and procedures which are the core structures that shape gaming markets through their respective regulators across the globe.

From Cape Town, South Africa in 2011, Singapore in 2012, Oslo -Norway 2013, Philadelphia – United States 2014, Lima – Peru 2015, Sydney – Australia 2016, Johannesburg – South Africa 2017, Copenhagen – Denmark 2018, Montego Bay – Jamaica 2019, Boston – United States 2021, Melbourne – Australia 2022 the IAGR conference is this year going to beautiful Botswana at the Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort from the 16th – 19th OCTOBER 2023.

With C-level speakers like Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive – Gambling Commission, UK, Earle. Hall, Chairman, International Gaming Standards Association & CEO @ AXES.ai, Rachel Volberg, Research Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director, South African Responsible Gambling Foundation among others IAGR presents a chance to network with global peers.

For more info visit: https://iagr.org/botswana-2023/networking/