Image: Shutterstock – Bashi Kikia
The African Responsible Gaming Network (ARGN) has continued to strengthen its advisory board with the appointment of Portia Gaone Diteko, Responsible Gambling Manager, Botswana Gambling Authority.
Last week, the body welcomed Arinze Arum, Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, to the board, underlining its resolve to hand the movement a broader leadership base on the continent.
With 15 years of professional experience ranging from research and prevention strategies as well as rehabilitation programmes and policy development under her belt, Portia brings with her solid expertise in gambling addiction treatment and recovery support.
The network in their publication welcoming her noted: “Her wealth of knowledge and practical experience will be invaluable as ARGN works to advance evidence-based policies, strengthen gambling harm prevention, and improve access to support and treatment across the continent.
“Welcome to the ARGN Advisory Board, Diteko. Together, we’re working towards a safer and more responsible gaming ecosystem for Africa.”
ARGN calls for helping hands from regulatory boards
Board member Gabriel Akpabio and CEO of Gamble Aware Nigeria previously told iGaming Expert that the network faces several challenges in achieving its goals, but noted the task would be far less colossal if legislators could lend a helping hand.
Akpabio noted that though the problems are there, yet they are surmountable. He identified some of these problems while calling on operators and regulators alike to embed responsible gaming through policy and practice and not through superficial approaches.
He added: “Regulation is critical to maintaining minimum standards in harm prevention. For instance, self-exclusion standards vary widely across Africa. Some jurisdictions have national self-exclusion schemes while others don’t. The issue of underage gambling is also one that can be tackled through effective regulation.”
“What we see mostly are laws that mandate prevention of minors from accessing gambling platforms but with weak enforcement. If minimum regulatory standards were enforced, then age and identity verification would be a core requirement for licensed operators. These and many more are ways that legislation can help.”
