By 
The Chief Executive Officer of iGaming AFRIKA, Jeremiah Maangi recently sat down with SportsBoom for an exclusive interview, discussing important matters such like betting laws in the African continent, new reforms and everything iGaming AFRIKA stands for.
RELATED: Mobile Betting in Africa – Kenya ranks No 1
iGaming AFRIKA were official media partners of the recently concluded SBC Summit in Lisbon, representing the larger African continent as they bid to share more knowledge of the African gaming ecosystem to the world.
While Jeremiah opined strongly that the brand is passionate about responsible gambling, there could still be illegal operators who thrive. And with more effort, they could be extinguished.
Complying with betting rules in Africa
When queried on if regulations are being taken to see that bookies are complying with betting rules in Africa, Jeremiah spoke in affirmative but confirmed that there are some perceived inconsistencies surrounding it.
“Yes, there are efforts to ensure that sportsbooks in Africa comply with local gambling laws, though the regulatory landscape varies significantly by jurisdiction”, Jeremiah told betting news site SportsBoom.com.
“Many African nations have established specific gambling laws and regulatory bodies to oversee betting activities, but enforcement and compliance can be inconsistent. Despite these efforts, the enforcement of regulations can be patchy, and illegal or unlicensed operators may still exist. The landscape is expanding as countries continue to adapt their laws to the growing popularity of sports betting.”
Centralised gaming regulation for Africa — can it work?
Talks have grown recently about Africa getting centralized gaming regulations, a move which will allow certified sportsbooks to do business all around African countries, and Jeremiah thinks it a welcome development, capable of yielding even bigger financial dividends for every party involved. However, there are challenges that need be tackled.
“Centralised gaming regulations for the African market present multiple potential benefits along with several significant challenges that must be addressed”, he said. “One of the primary advantages is streamlined compliance. Additionally, centralised regulations could enhance consumer protection by ensuring consistent measures are in place to promote responsible gambling and safeguard against fraud.”
“Also, this organised approach could increase tax revenue for governments, as a clear taxation structure for gaming operations might yield higher financial returns.”
“And then, a standardised framework could stimulate market growth by attracting more investment and innovation within the gaming sector.”
Jeremiah continued, stating the challenges this could face. “However, these benefits must be weighed against the challenges inherent in such an approach. Africa’s diverse legal cultures and varying attitudes toward gambling complicate the creation of a one-size-fits-all regulatory model. Enforcement issues pose another hurdle, as ensuring compliance across different jurisdictions can be problematic, particularly given the disparities in regulatory capacity and resources among countries.”
Any new initiatives from iGaming AFRIKA promoting responsible gambling?
“We are passionate about promoting responsible gaming, which is why we dedicate many of our resources and platforms to encourage responsible gambling through the content we create”, he stated.
“We believe that maintaining responsible gambling practices is essential for achieving balance in the gaming industry. One of our primary strategies for advancing this initiative is by engaging influential industry leaders to speak on the importance of responsible gambling, among other approaches.”
Latest innovations in sports betting technologies that can play key roles
Jeremiah also pointed out some game-changing innovations which are gradually entering the African betting market sphere thus,
“While many innovations in sports betting technology may not be entirely new, their potential impact on the African market is significant.”
“The integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, which have already gained traction in developed markets, represents a critical opportunity for African operators and regulators. Blockchain can enhance transparency and security, building user trust, while smart contracts can automate payouts for quicker, more reliable transactions.”
“Furthermore, mobile betting enhancements, especially through widely used mobile money platforms, can increase accessibility and encourage greater participation. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can personalize the betting experience by analysing user behaviour, while also aiding in risk management by detecting unusual betting patterns.”
“Additionally, gamification elements can engage younger audiences, and responsible gambling tools can foster a safer environment. By adopting these technologies, the African sports betting landscape could become more accessible, secure, and engaging, ultimately driving economic growth and attracting investments in the industry.”
Credit: SportsBoom
