Exclusive: Shaping the Future of Responsible Gambling in South Africa
The gambling industry in South Africa is at a pivotal juncture, with rising challenges around responsible gambling practices. Robin Bennett , Head of Regulatory Compliance at the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, shares valuable insights into the current state of responsible gambling, the role of regulators and operators, and the importance of unified efforts across Africa. From legislative reforms to the pressing need for online gambling regulation, Robin emphasizes the steps required to ensure a safer, more sustainable gambling environment for all.
iGaming AFRIKA: Robin, I understand that you have a strong perspective on the state of responsible gambling in South Africa. Could you share your assessment of the current situation?
Robin Bennett: Certainly. When discussing responsible gambling in South Africa, I would like to focus specifically on the Western Cape, as those are the statistics and insights, I am most familiar with. Unfortunately, I don’t believe we are anywhere near where we need to be in terms of responsible gambling practices. While the industry is rapidly expanding with new products and services, the measures for responsible gambling are not advancing at the same pace.
On a positive note, we are in the process of drafting new legislation aimed at mandating responsible gambling measures for all license holders. Currently, it’s largely left to their discretion, with some operators taking the issue more seriously than others. This legislative reform will ensure a standardized approach to responsible gambling across the board.
The lack of robust regulations is contributing to a significant problem: many individuals are transitioning from social gambling to problem gambling without adequate preventative measures in place. We need to act urgently to address this gap and protect vulnerable individuals.
iGaming AFRIKA:: Some argue that gambling regulations should be primarily enforced by operators, while others believe it is the responsibility of regulators—or perhaps a shared responsibility. What are your thoughts?
Robin Bennett: It’s undoubtedly a shared responsibility. However, regulators play a pivotal role in this dynamic. Operators cannot be expected to implement measures without clear guidance and rules from regulators. The regulators have to establish a robust framework, setting the parameters within which operators must operate.
Once these regulations are in place, operators are then responsible for implementing and adhering to them. It’s a collaborative effort, but it starts with regulators defining the standards. Only then can operators effectively align their practices with these expectations.
iGaming AFRIKA: You’ve previously mentioned the importance of a unified regulatory approach across Africa. Could you elaborate on this idea?
Robin Bennett: I firmly believe in the establishment of a pan-African forum dedicated to responsible gambling. This forum could consist of representatives from various countries, working together to set minimum standards for responsible gambling practices across the continent.
Such an initiative would provide greater protection for players and ensure consistency in gambling regulations. As operators expand across jurisdictions and players access online platforms that span multiple regions, a standardized approach becomes increasingly vital.
Uniform standards would create a sense of certainty and trust for players. They would know what to expect, regardless of where they are playing, and wouldn’t fall victim to jurisdictions with minimal responsible gambling measures. Establishing this consistency would not only benefit players but also elevate the industry’s reputation across Africa.
iGaming AFRIKA: Congratulations to the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board for hosting the successful Responsible Gambling Summit 2024 and for receiving the Regulator Responsible Gambling Initiative of the Year award. What key takeaways did you gather from the summit?
Robin Bennett: Thank you! The summit underscored the importance of collaboration between regulators and license holders. There is a genuine commitment among license holders to promote responsible gambling, but many of their efforts are discretionary.
One of the major lessons from the summit is the necessity for uniform legislation that mandates all license holders to implement standardized responsible gambling measures. This consistency is crucial for creating a safer gambling environment.
Additionally, we learnt that responsible gambling isn’t just about addressing problem gambling, it’s also about sustaining the industry. When players gamble responsibly, their habits are healthier and more sustainable, which benefits both the individual and the operators in the long term.
iGaming AFRIKA: Online gambling remains illegal in South Africa. What are your thoughts on this, and what can we expect from regulators regarding the future of online gambling in the country?
Robin Bennett: The issue of online gambling is a complex one. At present, there is a bill in progress that aims to regulate online gambling through the proposed remote gambling framework. This legislation is highly anticipated and would provide much-needed clarity and control over the sector.
From a provincial perspective, our hands are tied to some extent, as online gambling regulation has been deemed a national responsibility. For now, we permit online betting but not online gambling. Unfortunately, this creates an opening for the illegal gambling market, which undermines legitimate operators and deprives the government of significant revenue from taxes and fees.
Regulating online gambling is critical—not only to curtail illegal activity but also to ensure the safety and fairness of the industry.
Read the full interview in our digital magazine below:
