Crucial Compliance is taking a unique approach to market expansion as foreign operators target Africa. With a strong focus on promoting gambling addiction awareness, Crucial Compliance aims to prevent gambling harm across the continent.
The campaign kicked off with two impactful events in Rwanda and South Africa, where Crucial Compliance organized ‘Safe Gambling Hackathons’. These innovative gatherings brought together local talent and entrepreneurs to brainstorm ideas on combatting gambling-related harms.
Attendance ranged from CEOs of betting firms, state officials, regulators and the general public. The events were held in Kigali and Johannesburg and recorded over 100 attendees. Additionally, successful collaborations were fostered with key operators in the betting industry.
Crucial Compliance’s initiative is particularly significant given the concerning rise in gambling addiction and its adverse effects. As Africa News reported in 2022, many punters perceive the continent’s growing sports betting industry as a means of regular income and a potential escape from poverty.
A South African government survey from 2017 even found that “sports betting grew 14% per year from 2008 to 2016. This was made even as the number of South Africans who gambled fell from 57% to a third of the country’s adult population.” This indicates that although fewer people gambled, their spending was higher.
This increased betting in the region is precisely why Crucial Compliance wants to protect players. It does so by introducing operators to their own products and services and investing in new ideas from those in the region itself. This shows a commitment to the community surrounding this market sector.
Crucial Compliance is committed to extending its work into other parts of the African continent. According to Paul Foster, chief executive officer of Crucial Compliance:
“Whilst many people might think stepping into Africa was a venture into the unknown, we analyzed the research and emerging trends. It showed that in popular culture, there can be unhealthy attitudes to gambling across Africa. We invested our time and resource in exploring both Rwanda and South Africa. They expressed willingness to change in industry attitudes and player protection.
“We are excited about the prospect of making a real change in the region and working with local charities. This includes government and operators in having a positive impact on the whole of society. We will be holding further Hackathon events in Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa in April. We invite anyone with an interest in reducing gambling related harm to come along and join the conversation.”
