IGSA chief calls for stronger coordination as Africa’s gambling market expands
Pace noted that the continent represents a collection of emerging jurisdictions at different stages of maturity.
Nigeria.- Africa’s gambling sector is expanding rapidly, but gaps in legislation and uneven regulatory development continue to slow the adoption of global standards, according to International Gaming Standards Association President, Mark Pace.
During an interview at the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2026, Pace said it is inaccurate to describe Africa as lagging, noting instead that the continent represents a collection of emerging jurisdictions at different stages of maturity. He said: “It’s difficult to really say that Africa is lagging because lagging has a negative connotation,” adding that regulatory approaches vary widely across countries.
Africa’s gambling market has seen strong growth in recent years, driven largely by mobile betting, increasing internet penetration and a young population. Countries such as South Africa, Uganda, Botswana, Kenya and Nigeria have established regulatory frameworks, while others are still developing oversight structures. This fragmented landscape has made it harder to implement unified international standards.
Pace noted that while some regulators are making progress, legislation in many jurisdictions has not yet aligned with more established markets in Europe and North America. He stated: “The legislation has not yet caught up with legislation in other countries, but it’s getting there.”
Industry analysts warn that inconsistent rules across borders create compliance challenges for operators and limit cross-market collaboration. Global standards covering areas such as responsible gambling, cybersecurity and fair gaming are often adopted unevenly, depending on local regulatory capacity and political priorities.
Despite these challenges, regulatory bodies across Africa are increasing engagement with international organisations such as IGSA to improve oversight and technical standards. Efforts include strengthening licensing regimes, enforcing anti-money laundering measures and introducing responsible gambling frameworks.
Pace added that the next phase of development will depend on clearer regulatory direction and stronger collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders. He noted: “Now it’s a matter of really understanding what needs to be done to allow this industry to continue.”
As legislation evolves and regulators build capacity, more African markets are expected to align with global standards, improving transparency and investor confidence while supporting long-term industry growth.
