Online Reporter
Tamuka Mukiwa
The H-Metro National Responsible Betting Forum that is set for tomorrow at Alex Sports Club in Harare is expected to provide a platform to foster unity among stakeholders in the “gambling ecosystem” so that they are able to confront issues characterising the burgeoning gaming landscape.
Running under the theme “Collaborate, Regulate and Rehabilitate”, the forum is supported by the Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ministry.
Government officials, industry leaders, regulators and civil society groups, among others, are expected to discuss pertinent issues within the sector.
The forum comes amid rapid transformation within the betting landscape.
Topics expected to be under discussion at the forum include policy around betting, regulatory challenges, gambling harm and drug and substance abuse, its socio-economic impact and the future of gaming in Africa.
Regulatory body, Lotteries and Gaming Board noted that interventions at this event will foster unity of purpose and bridge the gap between stakeholders.
The board’s chief executive officer, Dr Misheck Chingozha said he hopes the forum will dissect the role of operators in promoting rehabilitation of gambling victims.
“It is my fervent hope that this forum will look at how players can be encouraged to exercise restraint, what the regulator can do to improve the regulation of the industry and when these issues are religiously followed through, this will create a sustainable gaming environment,” he said.
The Lotteries and Gaming Board was created by Section 3 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Chapter 10:26.
Its functions include regulating and controlling the development and operations of lotteries and gaming activities.
The board also grants, renews, transfers and terminates licenses of operators.
It also ensures that the licencees comply with their conditions.
Apart from the board, other stakeholders who have come in to sponsor this noble cause include Africabet, MWOS, Bola Bets, the Zimbabwe Bookmakers Association and Paynow.
