Gambling regulators across Africa are preparing to jointly blacklist non-compliant operators. This aims to strengthen enforcement and combat rising concerns about underage betting.
The initiative was revealed by Bashir Are during a press briefing in Victoria Island, Lagos. Authorities say the coordinated approach will allow regulators to block operators across multiple jurisdictions. This applies if they fail to comply with local gambling rules.
Growing Concern Over Underage Betting
Investigations indicate that children as young as 12 are increasingly engaging in sports wagering despite the legal gambling age being 18. Meanwhile, regulators say factors such as poverty, peer pressure, and aggressive betting advertising are contributing to the problem.
To address the issue, enforcement measures may include mystery shopper programs targeting operators suspected of allowing minors to gamble. If violations occur, there will be significant fines.
Authorities are also encouraging the use of digital safeguards, including wallet funding systems linked to national ID verification and banking checks. These measures can restrict underage access to betting platforms.
Africa Gaming Expo to Promote Cooperation
The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming Africa Gaming Expo 2025, scheduled to take place in Lagos from March 24 to 27. Organizers expect more than 11,000 delegates to attend the event’s third edition.
Hosted by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the expo will run under the theme “Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence.” The gathering aims to promote cross-border cooperation, regulatory dialogue, and job creation across the continent’s gaming sector.
Toward an “African Blacklist”
According to Are, regulators from several jurisdictions—including South Africa, Gambia, Ghana, Malta, the UK, Jamaica, and Brazil—are already collaborating. The purpose is to strengthen enforcement.
The proposed “African blacklist” would allow regulators to jointly ban operators who violate gambling regulations. This would help protect consumers in an increasingly borderless online gambling environment.
Are described the initiative as a form of collective consumer protection. He emphasized that regulators must work together to safeguard players across the continent.
