The African Responsible Gaming Network has launched a November campaign across 11 countries to promote player education and stronger protection against gambling-related harm. The month-long initiative uses the theme “It Starts with YOU” and is intended to bring regulators, operators, support organizations and communities into a shared programme.
The campaign announcement divides November into four areas of work. The opening week examines the influence of gambling advertising, followed by player education, examples of responsible gaming activity across Africa and a final focus on regulatory and industry standards.
ARGN says the programme will encourage discussion of age verification, underage gambling prevention, early intervention and access to treatment and support. It also plans to promote the Problem Gambling Severity Index as a self-assessment tool during the education phase. The announcement does not set out common binding rules for the participating markets.
The network brings together representatives from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Cameroon, Uganda and Eswatini. Player Protection Hub reported in October that the group was created to reduce fragmentation in responsible-gambling practices across the continent.
An earlier AfriGaming Bulletin report said the network also plans research, a directory of treatment and recovery services, policy recommendations and coordinated prevention campaigns. The November initiative is its first broad public-awareness programme, and its practical impact will depend on local participation and follow-through in each country.
