New Coalition Unites Researchers, Advocates, and Stakeholders from Across Africa to Address Gambling-Related Harm and Promote Responsible Gaming Frameworks
A coalition of responsible gaming organisations, researchers, treatment specialists, advocates, and industry stakeholders from across Africa has officially launched the African Responsible Gaming Network (ARGN). This milestone marks a significant step forward in addressing gambling-related harm and strengthening player protection standards throughout the continent.
Bringing together representatives from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Cameroon, Uganda, Eswatini, and international participants from countries such as Austria, the Network provides a unified continental platform dedicated to education, prevention, treatment, research, and policy development.
Addressing Rapid Market Growth and Isolated Efforts
The formation of ARGN comes at a critical juncture as Africa experiences rapid expansion in both online and land-based gambling markets. Driven by increased digital connectivity, mobile technology adoption, and broadened access to betting platforms, the sector creates substantial economic opportunities. However, experts have raised concerns regarding rising gambling harm, addiction, insufficient player protection measures, and limited local support structures.
Historically, efforts to tackle gambling harm across Africa have operated in isolation, with organisations constrained by individual national boundaries and regulatory environments. ARGN aims to overcome this fragmentation by establishing a continent-wide community of practice that facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and coordinated action.
Four Core Strategic Priorities
To drive its mission forward, the Network has established four strategic priorities:
- Insight Briefs: Developing an African gambling harm insight brief capturing research, market trends, and evidence from across the continent.
- Support Directories: Creating a comprehensive directory of treatment, recovery, and support services available in African nations.
- Policy Recommendations: Formulating practical responsible gaming measures and policy recommendations for regulators and policymakers.
- Coordinated Campaigns: Coordinating awareness and prevention campaigns capable of deployment across multiple jurisdictions.
By fostering collective solutions, the Network recognizes the increasingly cross-border nature of modern digital gambling. Member organisations will share evidence, develop common approaches, support peer initiatives, and engage more effectively with regulatory bodies and international stakeholders.
Founding Members and Leadership
Founding members playing an active role in establishing ARGN include Gamble Aware Nigeria, Gamble Pause Initiative Africa, and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation.
As part of the Network’s inaugural leadership team, Lebo Seoheng, Advocacy and Communications Manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, has been appointed President of ARGN to guide its strategic direction and growth.
Commenting on the launch, Seoheng emphasized the urgency of prioritizing player welfare:
“The African igaming market is a rapidly growing market, and as online and sports betting expand their offering and continental market share, it is important that player protection and responsible gambling remain at the centre of their operations for a sustainable market and regulators create a safer environment through effective legislation and regulations to reduce gambling related harm, which may lead to gambling addiction and other related mental health and behavioural addictions and as a consequence overburden Africa’s healthcare systems.”
As ARGN commences its operations, its founders believe the Network is well-positioned to become a leading platform for innovation, advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring player wellbeing remains central as Africa’s gaming sector evolves.
