Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called for constant training and sharing of experiences among gambling regulators in Africa to enable them effectively tackle emergent challenges in the industry.
Mr. Musyoka said there was need for the regulators to be ahead of the operators and the emerging technological trends in the industry in order to curb malpractices, and promote responsible and economically beneficial gambling.
He said the regulators had a responsibility of ensuring that gaming improved a country's economy, created employment and promoted tourism in a morally-acceptable and crime-free environment.
At the same time, Mr. Musyoka asked governments to come up with legislations that could fully address the new gambling dynamics.
This, he noted, will help create a balance between the economic benefits of gambling, while protecting the vulnerable from its excesses.
"While we push for acceptance of the gaming industry as a legitimate and rewarding investment, we must in the same vein exercise caution lest its excesses undermine our moral fabric", Mr. Musyoka noted, adding that un-regulated gambling could transform itself from a harmless pastime to a life-destroying addiction.
The Vice President was speaking Thursday at the Stanley hotel, Nairobi where he officially opened the 6th Annual Conference for Gambling Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF).
The four day continental event which is being held in the country for the first time brings together delegations from more than ten gaming regulators and advisors from Africa.
The Vice President said the government was in the process tabling a Draft Bill in a parliament with a view to establishing a National Lottery.
"Ultimately we expect that the proceeds of the National Lottery will go a long way in supporting programs in education, health, sports arts and culture and other worthy causes" he observed.
Other measures include the review of the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming act to address new challenges such as problem gaming, licensing suppliers and manufacturers of gaming devices and categorization of casinos.
Mr. Musyoka urged African countries to invest in the industry since its potential is massive and can improve the lives of Africans in the continent citing the success of the city of Las Vegas in the United States of America which is acclaimed as the entertainment capital in the world.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Ludeki Chweya described the industry as crucial saying that the ministry will strive to promote it to enable it realize its objectives.
He noted that the industry was a source of revenue, creates employment opportunities and promotes tourism.
The Chairperson of GRAF, Mrs. Scholastica Chidyaonga appealed to stakeholders in the gambling industry to employ well qualified personnel for effective and quality services.
She disclosed that GRAF intends to improve women participation and involvement in the industry saying that it was discouraging that women were not taking an active role despite several attempts by the GRAF body to strengthen their forum.
Mrs. Chidyaonga also appealed to African countries that have not joined the body to do so, as its benefits can greatly improve the economic status of their countries.
Present at the function included the Chairman Betting Control and Licensing Board, Mr. Joseph Adongo, Director, Betting Control and Licensing Board, Kenya, Mr. Amos Kwasi and the Commissioner of Prisons, Mr. Isaiah Osugo among other guests.
