The Social Fabric of Gaming in Africa: Insights Lindsay Kalbfleisch & Elizabeth Lusk, GREO
In an era where gaming transcends traditional entertainment, the social aspects of the industry are garnering increasing attention. During the AGE Lagos 2024 conference, Zzini Ekeh had the opportunity to engage with Lindsay Kalbfleish, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, and Elizabeth Lusk, Chief Strategy Officer at GREO, in a vibrant discussion about the impact of gaming on communities, particularly within the African context.
Elizabeth Lusk provided insight into GREO’s crucial role in fostering dialogue and collaboration within the gaming industry. “One of our superpowers as an organization is holding space for conversations between all those different stakeholder types,” she explained. By uniting operators, regulators, and community organizations, GREO aims to address the challenges that arise within the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
With over 25 years of global experience, Elizabeth noted that GREO’s mission extends beyond Canada, emphasizing its commitment to minimizing the societal impacts of gambling. “We love to bring stakeholders together for social purpose,” she stated, highlighting the organization’s evidence-based approach to problem-solving in various jurisdictions.
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As the conversation transitioned toward the African gaming market, Zzini inquired about GREO’s initiatives tailored for this unique landscape. Elizabeth revealed that the organization takes pride in harnessing local knowledge and perspectives, stating, “Sometimes a sector’s focused on jobs, which is great economic empowerment, but social empowerment… is what we are passionate about.” By emphasizing local community engagement, GREO seeks to empower individuals while addressing the challenges specific to their cultural contexts. GREO Social Gambling Impact
On the other hand, Lindsay recognized the positive momentum within African jurisdictions. “I think not only are the different jurisdictions in Africa really starting to establish themselves; there’s a lot of energy and excitement around that,” she noted. The thoughtful approach of stakeholders in balancing the economic benefits of gaming with the potential for harm excited her. This careful consideration paves the way for sustainable practices that benefit both the gaming industry and local communities.
The discussion culminated in a reflection on the importance of investing the economic benefits derived from gaming back into the communities that need them most, as Lindsay passionately advocated for responsible gaming. “We can take some of those economic benefits and invest them in the communities that really need them,” she said. This notion reflects a growing awareness of the social responsibilities that accompany the growth of the gaming sector.
With organizations like GREO at the forefront of fostering collaboration and understanding among diverse stakeholders, the future of gaming holds promise for enriching communities through responsible and engaging practices. GREO Social Gambling Impact
