The latest SBC News 90 looks at some key takeaways from day two of the SBC Digital Summit Africa.

The eSports in Africa panel discussed how esports betting continues to develop in the continent. Ghana Esports Association’s President, Kwesi Hayford, explained that the appetite for gambling is strong, with gamer’s already having a similar gambling format in ‘loser pay and winner stay’. A game where people bet on the fortunes of the two players. 

Similarly in Ghana, Douglas Ogeto, the CEO of Ludique Works, said a customised local version of poker with a multiplayer element had been well received.

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In the KYC panel, Garron Whitesman, Partner at Whitesman Lurie highlighted ‘Financial Intelligence Centre success’ as proof that African markets can move to a safer, risk-based-approach. 

Working across multiple African jurisdictions, Whitesman said some governments seemed biased towards land-based operators, with a view that “online gambling should still not be trusted”.  

Whitesman stressed that online is safer than these sceptics think, as someone’s identity, place of residence and source of income can all be determined. Players are monitored closely, he said, while in a land-based facility, no one cares if that player has been excluded. 

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Finally, the panel ‘Problem Gambling – the South African approach’ addressed the issue of tackling gambling-related harm within the rainbow nation.

Alan Weinrib, CEO of Web Gaming Consultants, believes that it should be a legal requirement for anyone doing business in South Africa to share self-exclusion lists because, in his words, these are people that are clearly looking for help.

Conversation turned to the pandemic and its effect on potentially vulnerable players, with Robin Bennent, head of regulatory compliance at The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, arguing that lockdown conditions had the potential to be a breeding ground for problem gambling.