Regulatory trends
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Africa report An introduction to online gambling in Africa
Regulatory trends
MORE PATCHWORK THAN QUILT Much as with other regions around the world , Africa is playing catch-up when it comes to the regulation of online gambling . Prohibitions are rare – only five countries explicitly ban gambling , mainly on religious grounds . But the number of countries that specifically regulate online gambling is also still relatively small – 11 out of 54 according to data from VIXIO GamblingCompliance . In many of the rest there are existing regulations on land-based gaming , at either national or regional level , that have been in existence for some time and where online gambling is a grey area , not unlike with many parts of Europe .
“ The number of African countries adopting a regulatory framework is on the rise and this is of crucial importance to the industry ,” says Fried from BtoBet .
He says many are taking their cue from the progress being made – albeit slowly – towards regulation in Europe . “ Africa is keen on adopting this approach , with countries adopting laws on a national level ,” he adds . “ Operators have a key role in this process , and it is encouraging that local regulatory bodies delve into fruitful discussions with operators to determine the best possible regulatory outcome , one that proves to be a safeguard for all parties involved .”
MOVING THE GOALPOSTS Still , as has been evident even in regulated countries such as Kenya , the nature of the political backdrop in many parts of Africa means that the regulatory situation – and particularly taxation regimes – can be volatile .
“ You have to remember that the situations in which
you operate are unstable by nature ,” comments Wilkie from Yellowbet . “ It is always a good idea to cover bases . If you are seen to give money to political parties , for example , support the opposition equally as much as the incumbent : things change quickly .”
At an operational level , meanwhile , the regulations as enacted often place extra burdens on both operators and suppliers .
“ Most of the regulations cannot be left to the operator as the platform providers have to constantly customise bet slips to implement various types of taxes imposed on players ’ stake amounts and / or winnings , and these taxes in some countries iGB Market Monitor