New Pan-African Network Launched to Advance Responsible Gaming and Protect Players Across Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa | 21st September 2026 – 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), marking a significant step forward in addressing gambling-related harm and strengthening player protection across the continent. 

Bringing together representatives from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Cameroon, Uganda, Eswatini and other countries such as Austria, the Network has been established to create a unified African platform dedicated to responsible gaming, education, prevention, treatment, research and policy development. 

The formation of ARGN comes at a pivotal moment for the continent. Africa is experiencing rapid growth in both online and land-based gambling markets, driven by increased digital connectivity, mobile technology adoption, and expanding access to betting platforms. While the sector continues to create economic opportunities, experts warn that gambling harm, addiction, insufficient player protection measures, and limited support structures are emerging as growing concerns in many countries. 

Until now, efforts to address gambling harm across Africa have largely taken place in isolation, with organisations often working within their own countries and regulatory environments. The African Responsible Gaming Network seeks to change this by creating a continent-wide community of practice that facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing and coordinated action. 

The Network will focus on four strategic priorities:

• Developing an African gambling harm insight brief that captures research, trends and evidence from across the continent.
• Creating a directory of treatment, recovery and support services available in African countries.
• Developing policy recommendations and practical responsible gaming measures for regulators and policymakers.
• Coordinating awareness and prevention campaigns that can be implemented across multiple jurisdictions. 

The establishment of ARGN represents an important shift in how gambling-related harm is addressed in Africa. Rather than focusing solely on national challenges, the Network aims to foster collective solutions that recognise the increasingly cross-border nature of gambling, particularly in the digital environment. 

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A key objective of the Network is to strengthen Africa’s collective voice on issues relating to player protection, responsible gaming, and gambling harm prevention. Through collaboration, member organisations will be able to share evidence, develop common approaches, support one another’s initiatives, and engage more effectively with regulators, policymakers, and international stakeholders. 

The Network will also work to improve access to information and support services for individuals affected by gambling-related harm while promoting public awareness and responsible gambling practices across the continent. By bringing together expertise from multiple countries and disciplines, ARGN hopes to contribute to stronger gambling-harm prevention frameworks and more informed policymaking throughout Africa. 

Gamble Aware Nigeria, Gamble Pause Initiative Africa, and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation are among the founding members of the Network and have played an active role in supporting its establishment. Together with other member organisations, the Foundation will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible gaming programmes, advance research, and expand awareness initiatives across Africa.

As part of the Network’s founding leadership, Lebo Seoheng, Advocacy and Communications Manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, has been appointed President of ARGN and will help guide its strategic direction and growth. 

“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” Said Seoheng.

As ARGN begins its work, its founding members believe the Network has the potential to become a leading platform for collaboration, innovation and advocacy, ensuring that as Africa’s gaming sector evolves, player wellbeing and protection remain at the centre of the conversation. 

About the African Responsible Gaming Network

The African Responsible Gaming Network (ARGN) is a pan-African network dedicated to advancing responsible gaming, gambling harm prevention, player protection, research, policy development, and support services across Africa. The Network brings together organisations and experts from across the continent to promote collaboration and strengthen responsible gaming initiatives. 

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