In partnership with the Botswana Gambling Authority, the International Association of Gaming Regulators gathering, IAGR2023, took place this week in Gaborone. Influential industry stakeholders and senior leaders from across the globe discussed several issues, such as artificial intelligence, the gambling landscape in Botswana (with a keynote from Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO, Gambling Authority Botswana), regulatory challenges and opportunities, player health and social responsibility, problem gambling, fight against money laundering, monetization in gaming, the regulatory view from Great Britain, and legalized sports betting in the United States, among others.
There were insightful speakers in thought-provoking panels sharing the latest research and information about cutting-edge technologies shaking up the gambling market, as well as networking events, and an award-winning ceremony. The official opening was in charge of the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.
Leadership transitions
During the event, some inner structure changes were also announced. Ben Haden assumed the role of President of IAGR, taking over from Jason Lane. Haden, Director at the Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom, has been a trustee for IAGR for five years, including two as Vice President. For her part, Caroline Kongwa, the Chief Strategic Adviser of the National Gambling Board in South Africa, stepped into the role of Vice President of IAGR.
Haden stated: “As I take this new position, I look forward to building upon the solid foundation laid by Jason and previous leaders. The landscape of gambling regulation is ever-changing, and we will continue to focus on collaboration and sharing best practices across jurisdictions and partners, fostering a stronger sense of our community. We extend our gratitude to Jason Lane for his leadership, and we’re pleased that he will continue his involvement as an IAGR Board Trustee.”
Valuable recognitions
Moreover, in a gala dinner, IAGR delivered the 2023 International Regulatory Awards. The Norwegian Gambling Authority, New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (Australia) and Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming (Australia) were the winners. The awards aim to recognize exceptional regulators helping drive the industry forward. They were judged by a committee made up of IAGR Trustees and independent stakeholders.
The Norwegian Gambling Authority (NGA) took home the award for Regulatory Excellence 2023 for its exceptional efforts in reducing problem gambling in Norway. With a 50% reduction in individuals with gambling problems since 2019, the NGA’s multi-faceted approach includes stringent measures against illegal operators and meticulous oversight of legal operators.
Besides, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) in Queensland, Australia, won the Best Regulatory Campaign 2023 award for their campaign aimed at addressing gambling-related harm in Australian First Nations communities. Developed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the campaign successfully increased awareness and reduced stigma around gambling harm.
Finally, the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) obtained the Regulatory Innovation 2023 award for its innovative approach to casino regulation in New South Wales, Australia. Established in response to evolving challenges in the casino industry, the NICC’s submission demonstrated agility and effectiveness in its regulatory practices.
At the end of the meeting, it was communicated that the next IAGR conference will be in Rome, Italy, on October 21-24th, 2024. This event will be a partnership with the International Masters of Gaming Law.