Introduction to IGSA’s New African Division
The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA), a pivotal entity in the global gaming industry, has recently announced a groundbreaking initiative: the establishment of a new African division. This strategic move, titled GSA Africa, is set to revolutionize the African gambling industry, encompassing land-based, online gaming, sports betting, and lottery sectors. This development is a key part of IGSA’s core strategic initiatives for 2024, demonstrating its commitment to global expansion and standardization in the gaming sector.
The Role of GSA Africa
GSA Africa will operate as a local office, its primary role being to promote and implement IGSA’s renowned gaming standards across the African continent. This establishment marks a significant step in harmonizing gaming practices and regulations across various African jurisdictions, each with its unique regulatory landscape.
Leadership and Vision: The Driving Force Behind GSA Africa
The leadership of GSA Africa has been entrusted to FK Fayad, CEO of the SamPro Group, a conglomerate with a strong foothold in the Middle East and Africa. Fayad’s extensive experience in trade, technology, ICT business, regulation, and government consultancy across Africa, Asia, Gulf Region, and the Middle East positions him uniquely to spearhead this initiative.
Fayad’s Multifaceted Expertise
Fayad’s diverse roles, including his participation in the Nigerian Arab Gulf Chamber of Commerce and volunteer work with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, equip him with a broad perspective and deep insights into the African market. His expertise is expected to be instrumental in navigating the complex regulatory environments and fostering relationships crucial for the success of GSA Africa.
The Impact of GSA Africa on the Gaming Industry
Peter DeRaedt, President of IGSA, emphasizes that the creation of GSA Africa is a significant leap forward for the gaming industry. The rapid expansion of gaming across Africa, coupled with diverse regulations, necessitates a guiding voice. GSA Africa aims to bring the benefits of standardized practices to operators, suppliers, and regulators across the continent.
Advancing Gaming Standards in a Growing Market
The African gaming market is experiencing rapid growth, making it a pivotal time to introduce IGSA standards. Fayad’s leadership in this phase is seen as essential to ensure that the continent’s gaming industry grows in a structured and responsible manner.
IGSA’s Broader Initiatives: Cyber Resiliency and Responsible Gaming
Beyond establishing GSA Africa, IGSA has been actively involved in enhancing industry standards globally. Recent efforts include forming the Cyber Resiliency Committee (CRC) and the Responsible Gaming Committee.
Cyber Resiliency in Gaming
The CRC aims to develop cyber standards for gambling businesses, focusing on risk management, cybersecurity governance, and framework control standards for casino operators. Prominent IGSA members like Aristocrat Technologies, Light & Wonder, and AXES.ai have expressed support for this initiative.
Promoting Responsible Gaming
In June, IGSA’s board approved the creation of a Responsible Gaming Committee. This committee is developing a multi-tiered framework, the Responsible Gaming Maturity Model (RGMM), to support regulators and operators. The RGMM aims to provide a quantifiable and predictable model for responsible gaming, transitioning from basic policy implementation to managing a precise dashboard of KPIs generated from quantifiable data.
Conclusion: IGSA’s Vision for a Unified Gaming Industry
IGSA’s establishment of GSA Africa, along with its ongoing global initiatives, reflects its vision for a unified, standardized, and responsible gaming industry. This strategic expansion into Africa represents a significant milestone in achieving global harmonization in gaming standards, promising a more structured and ethical future for the industry.
