With the aim of keeping gaming free from criminal activity, the protection of players and cooperation on probity, a Gaming Regulators African Forum (GRAF) was launched in February 2003 and held its first conference in Malawi in October that year. Newly appointed to chair the forum is Lekwalo Mosienyane, Chairman of the Casino Control Board of Botswana. The forum has become a vehicle for the sharing of practical experience on matters concerning the gaming industry across Africa, where issues of common interest can be discussed by the members.

Membership is open to national gaming regulators across the continent. South Africa and Botswana have signed the memorandum of understanding to become full-fledged members of the forum, as have Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The forum provides a platform where members can meet to exchange views and information, discuss gaming policies and liaise with international bodies.

Speaking at the third annual GRAF conference held in Gaborone last year, Lekwalo Mosienyane highlighted the fact that Botswana casinos operate round the clock, which could be problematic. "These and other factors have contributed to an increase in problem gambling in the country. The incidence or prevalence of problem gambling in Botswana has not yet been quantified but is however estimated at 1% of the gambling patronage."

The creation of the Gaming Regulators African Forum gives a focal point for the mutual recognition of gaming standards and enhancement of economic development. Maintaining fairness and equity in gaming and the harmonisation of regulation are objectives the forum seeks to promote. It also attempts to ensure that African nationals benefit visibly from the gambling industry and that effective problem gambling policies are in place. (E-05.05.06)

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