The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) held the grand opening ceremony for its new regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, and is set to work with the city’s State Lotteries and Gaming Authority to drive adoption of best regulatory practices.
“IGSA is very excited to open GSA Africa, which is dedicated to working with the various gaming industry constituents on the African continent. Nigeria is one of the fastest growing regulated gaming jurisdictions in Africa and Lagos is its economic hub, making it the perfect site for our newest office.” IGSA President Mark Pace said.
“Through GSA Africa, IGSA wants to help the African market to adopt and benefit from technology-based standard processes and procedures, which have been successfully implemented in other jurisdictions.”
The Association’s launch of GSA Africa was said to be part of its “ongoing mission” to collaborate with operators, regulators and suppliers from around the globe.
IGSA Board of Directors Chairman Nimish Purohit also spoke on the regional office’s grand opening, having said, “On behalf of the IGSA Board of Directors, I am very pleased to see IGSA expand its reach and develop stronger ties to the African gaming market.
“We are opening GSA Africa in recognition of the growing regulated gaming market on the continent, as well as our desire to partner with regulators, operators and suppliers there in order to understand Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities that can benefit from standards and best practices. IGSA is always incorporating updates from the newest jurisdictions, and Africa's diversified jurisdictions give us a chance to also enhance our global standards.”
Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority CEO Bashir Are said the opening of GSA Africa is an “honor” for the regulator, and described the city as Nigeria’s “economic, commercial, financial and gaming hub.”
Are also confirmed the organisation “looks forward” to collaborating with IGSA to “grow and better regulate” Africa’s gaming industry.
In February, the Lagos State Government commenced enforcement of a 5% withholding tax on gaming winnings for all licensed platforms operating within the state.
The directive was first announced by Are through a public notice on 23 February, instructing operators to apply the deduction with immediate effect.
Operator Virgin Bet announced its entry into the South African gambling market on March 30, launching its new online platform in the nation as it marks its first ever international expansion outside of the UK
