At the summit of SiGMA Africa 2025, which took place in March, Weldon Koros, Director of the Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa, had a compelling interview with SiGMA TV on whether we can keep up with the digital gaming landscape. He explores further the impact of economic disparities on gaming behaviour across the continent. Koros had a packed audience during a panel at the Sun Exhibits in the GrandWest Complex, where he emphasized the urgent need for region-specific regulation, highlighting how income levels, payment systems, and technology are reshaping Africa’s gaming landscape.
Koros drew a sharp distinction between African and European gaming markets, noting that lower-income populations in Africa typically engage in smaller, more frequent bets, often viewing gaming less as entertainment and more as a potential financial solution. “Many consumers do not see these activities as entertainment but as a potential financial solution,” Koros stated, emphasizing that economic hardship is a defining factor in player participation.
Addressing the critical role of alternative payments, Koros advocated for the integration of mobile money and cryptocurrency to expand access while maintaining regulatory oversight. He cited Kenya’s widespread use of mobile platforms as a model, urging operators to tailor payment solutions to local cultures and infrastructure. This approach, Koros argued, is essential for business success and market inclusivity.
On responsible gambling, Koros called for the adoption of AI-driven behavioural analytics as a regulatory standard. He argued that artificial intelligence should be mandatory for operators, enabling real-time detection of risky gambling patterns and early intervention for at-risk players. “AI tools must become a regulatory requirement if Africa’s gaming industry is to advance responsibly,” Koros asserted, pointing to the technology’s potential to predict and prevent gambling-related harm.
Koros also highlighted the necessity of affordability checks to protect low-income players, noting that over 98 percent of Africans live on less than a dollar a day. He stressed that regulation must balance market growth with consumer protection, warning that without structured affordability measures, the industry risks excluding the very populations it seeks to serve.
As SiGMA Africa 2025 set the agenda for responsible and sustainable gaming, Koros’s insights reinforce the importance of inclusive, data-driven regulation tailored to Africa’s diverse markets. His message resonates as the industry looks ahead to the next chapter: SiGMA Asia 2025 in the Philippines, from 1 to 4 June. For exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis with global leaders like Weldon Koros, tune in to SiGMA TV and join the conversation shaping the future of gaming worldwide.
