Africa-Press – Botswana. In response to the growing influence of technology and innovation in the gaming and gambling sector, the International Association of Gambling Regulators (IAGR) conference will mostly focus on the latest research, trends and innovations shaking up the global gaming market.
According to Gambling Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Kesitilwe said the conference is aimed at increasing uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming and gambling regulation.
“The integration of virtual reality, cryptocurrency, mobile gaming and artificial intelligence will revolutionize the online gambling industry over the next few years.
This challenges regulators to adapt AI techniques that can analyze customer data to detect gambling-related harms. By using AI, regulators can implement mitigation measures without overly relying on customer-driven uptake,” Kesitilwe highlighted
The IAGR conference lineup is consistent with trends in the global and African market, where online gaming and betting are becoming increasingly popular. The trends, added Kesitilwe, are driven by technological advances and economic development in Africa.
According to official data, there were approximately 4.2 million mobile phone subscribers in Botswana as of March 2022, while mobile broadband penetration stood at 2.4 million and mobile tele-density had surpassed 210 percent.
“These are impressive statistics that should encourage Batswana to explore opportunities in the online gaming and betting industry,” said Kesitilwe.
To match these technological advances, the Gambling Authority recently unveiled a sweeping licensing plan that will grant at least 1,800 machine licenses to entrepreneurs running small, medium, and micro-sized businesses across the country.
In addition to the already existing casino licenses, the Gambling Authority recently announced opportunities for betting licenses for bookmakers and totalizators, bingo and limited payout machines.
Ever cognizant of the risks of overstimulating the latent demand for gambling, Kesitilwe spoke of a robust responsible gambling programme as the baseline for all gambling business licenses.
‘‘Gambling has positive and negative outcomes that must be balanced all the time. That’s why we strongly believe in evidence-based interventions and responses to problem gambling,” he added.
Speakers at the conference will include Andrew Rhodes – CEO of the Gambling Commission of Great Britain – who will share insights on how the largest online jurisdiction in the world is reviewing its gambling laws and tackling illegal online gambling. Earle G Hall, Chairman of the International Gaming Standards Association and CEO of AXES.ai, will also deliver a lecture on how AI is transforming all aspects of the gaming industry.
He will also educate attendees on the opportunities and safeguards needed to embrace AI while mitigating the risks.
There will also be a panel discussion titled “Staying ahead of the online curve: Managing shifting regulatory challenges and opportunities,” which will explore the challenges faced by regulators due to the evolution of online gaming products, explore shifting consumer demands and concerns about cyber security.
The Gambling Authority will host the IAGR conference from 16 – 19 October; in a move that has been hailed by government as a step in the right direction as Botswana strives to position itself as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism destination.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
