Importance of Player Protection
During the SiGMA Africa 2026 event, Fisayo Oke, CEO of Gamble Alert, highlighted the crucial role of player protection in Africa’s iGaming sector. He stressed the integration of player welfare into technological and regulatory advancements to ensure a sustainable market.
Calls for Structural Reforms
Oke proposed that gaming companies appoint responsible gambling reporting officers. These individuals would focus solely on monitoring player welfare, similar to how businesses handle data protection and anti-money laundering efforts.
Innovative Approaches to Responsible Gambling
Emphasizing that innovation and player safety can coexist, Oke insisted that player health should be embedded in every new product. This belief is supported by Gamble Alert’s development of an AI psychologist tool to assist with gambling addiction.
Regulatory Challenges and Solutions
Fisayo Oke pointed out the current shortcomings in Africa’s regulatory bodies, many of which lack adequate funding. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about future improvements.
Long-Term Vision for iGaming
Highlighting the risks of prioritizing short-term gains over player protection, Oke concluded that sustainable success in the gaming industry hinges on maintaining player health as a core focus.
