The African gambling market has increased significantly during the last decade, and wider accessibility of online casinos holds an important role in such growth. In line with the popularity of this entertainment, risks also grow. Gambling addiction rates are increasing globally, and Africa is no exception. Problem gambling often affects poor and vulnerable populations.
Therefore, governments have to implement a set of measures to prevent its growth on the continent. Casino operators must act responsibly and limit access for the affected players. Moreover, bringing additional tools like GamStop self-exclusion will benefit users.
The Current State of Gambling in Africa
Africa is the target market for many gambling operators, as they see the demand for gambling activities in the region. Its projected the industry revenue will reach $1.6 billion by 2027 . Player engagement continues boosting: for instance, in Kenya alone, over 80% of respondents reported their participation in gambling or betting activities.
Gambling and betting are legal and regulated in African countries. The Association of Gambling Regulators in Africa is the organization connecting all controlling authorities. The industry significantly impacts the region’s economy, bringing revenue to the budget through taxes. Both locals and tourists can take advantage of casinos and sportsbooks regulated by government bodies.
Businesses and GamStop Collaboration
Preventing gambling addiction must be on the agenda for players, operators, and governments. All parties should collaborate to develop a solution for decreasing the rate of affected users. Implementing self-exclusion programs is among the most efficient tools: for instance, over 80% of GamStop users reported improved conditions after joining it. However, the pitfall lies in the fact that this tool is only available for British online casinos operating under the control of UKGC.
Unfortunately, GamStop doesn’t operate outside the UK. The tool could have been extremely beneficial for African players. The self-exclusion lasts from six months to five years – during this period, the affected gamblers can receive quality help.
On the other hand, GamStop is not the only self-exclusion software available for modern gamblers. Therefore, African players can take advantage of other tools like GamBan or BetBlocker. However, users often avoid such tools and play casinos that aren't blocked by GamStop or similar services, as the self-exclusion period cannot be suspended or cancelled. In such an instance, operators should take this responsibility and make the tool mandatory.
The Role of Businesses
Guaranteeing user security and appropriate gambling conditions is the responsibility of every online casino operating in Africa. Operators must implement the best data protection protocols for a safe gaming environment. Appropriate mechanisms identifying suspicious activities must be implemented. For instance, AI tools allow tracking players’ actions on gaming websites and provide recommendations on taking a break from gambling. Such an approach allows identifying problem players and advising them to join support groups or start treatment.
Benefits of Collaboration
GamStop has numerous apparent advantages for compulsive players, including limitations on risky websites and access to support groups. However, businesses collaborating with the self-exclusion program also get a lot of benefits. First of all, they demonstrate their desire to increase the population’s well-being by acting responsibly and providing a safe gambling environment. Such an approach strengthens the brand’s reputation in the industry. It can eventually increase demand for a particular casino or sportsbook.
Successful Collaborations
According to statistics, 0.5% of the UK players suffer from gambling addiction, which is among the lowest indicators globally. At the same time, the problem rate in Nigeria sometimes reaches 8%. Such figures are the best proof of GamStop efficiency. The self-exclusion program is obligatory for every casino operating legally in the UK. Informing players of the possible negative consequences and implementing appropriate treatment for those affected by the disorder is the best strategy for gambling operators.
Customer Protection
Player safety is the key priority for gaming establishments operating under the licensing of UKGC. Implementing GamStop is among the requirements for acquiring the authority’s licensing, so all legal casinos in the country use this tool. The program helps identify problem gamblers and increases user protection on risky websites. Moreover, it provides recommendations regarding support groups and therapy players can receive to cope with the disease as soon as possible.
Final Insight
GamStop has already shown its efficiency in the UK gambling market, so African governments and operators should consider the experience of their colleagues abroad. Providing a healthy gaming environment is beneficial for all parties. Even though gambling brings significant revenue to countries’ budgets, acting responsibly and limiting access to those affected is mandatory. Such an approach increases well-being and promotes responsible gambling to the population. Even though GamStop is unavailable beyond the UK, African governments and operators can implement other similar self-exclusion tools that are no less efficient.
