Lessons from Monopoly Markets on Enforcing Responsible Gaming in Africa’s Evolving Landscape
As the gaming industry transitions from monopolized markets to more competitive landscapes in the digital era, the challenge of enforcing responsible gaming practices has gained considerable attention.
A recent panel discussion at ICE Barcelona 2025 during a World Regulatory Briefing Workshop that was moderated by Kate Lowenhar-Fisher, EVP & Chief Legal Officer – Everi brought together notable experts from various regions to explore the implications of this shift.
In many regions, including the European market epitomized by Norway, monopoly or single operator jurisdictions have historically regulated gaming activities. Atle Hamar, Director General – Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority highlighted Norway’s approach, where the majority of sports betting and online casino operations are overseen by a state-run entity known as Norsk Tipping.
“We have divided the market into different sectors,” Atle explained. “The most risky games like online casino and sports betting are regulated quite toughly. We’ve built in safety features such as loss limits and self-exclusion, which have mitigated the risk of gambling addiction.”
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Transitioning to markets with more competition, Jay Schall, EVP & General Counsel International – Wynn Resorts provided insights from his experiences in Macau, where the gaming environment expanded from a monopoly to a vibrant market comprising six operators.
“If you can’t have a monopoly, you want a thriving market with a lot of others around,” he noted. This evolution not only diversified the offerings within the gaming space but also broadened the appeal of Macau as a family-friendly destination. “Now you have a vibrant market that has world-class entertainment, world-class eating, world-class shopping,” he emphasized.
The African gaming market presents a distinct challenge, largely characterized by state-run national lotteries and a mixture of competitive gambling formats, such as sports betting and casinos. Denis Mudene, Chief Executive Officer – Ugandan National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board stated, “State-run national lotteries generate revenue while strictly ensuring they observe responsible gaming initiatives, but not all countries are following suit.”
The discussion underscored an ongoing debate: is it easier to enforce responsible gaming in monopoly environments or competitive markets? Atle proposed that the tightly controlled environment of single operator markets, such as Norway, allows for robust protective measures that can decrease risks effectively. “In a well-regulated market, we see that 8 or 9 out of 10 consumers appreciate the mandatory regulations we have in place,” he asserted.
Conversely, Jay noted the advantages of competition. “A competitive market can stimulate innovation in responsible gaming technology, allowing providers to implement better tracking and support systems for players.” He argued that the vibrancy of a competitive environment can invigorate responsible gaming practices while creating an engaging atmosphere for both gamblers and non-gamblers alike.
Daniel Grabher, CEO & Founder – Mediastream echoed this sentiment, stating, “In emerging markets like Africa, the mobile gambling trend has intensified, with 80-90% of gambling taking place online over the past decade.” However, despite the growth of digital gambling platforms, many African nations struggle with regulatory frameworks.”
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to properly enforce proper regulations. This is particularly critical in Africa, where regulations often lag behind the rapid change in gaming formats. “We see a lot of challenges there, and I believe that a lot of countries have not even been able to put up a regulation. That doesn’t mean that it’s not happening, so whether there is a regulation or not, gambling is happening,” he argued.
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