IGSA expands to Africa with the creation of a new local division

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has announced the creation of GSA Africa, a new division dedicated to promoting standards in the land-based and online gaming, sports betting and lottery sectors in Africa. The IGSA announced this strategic initiative as part of its annual meeting, held at the Global Gaming Expo 2023 in Las Vegas, where it outlined a number of actions planned for 2024.

“The creation of GSA Africa is another leap forward for IGSA and for the gaming industry,” IGSA president Peter DeRaedt said. “Gaming is expanding rapidly across the continent and, appropriately, each jurisdiction has its own nuanced regulations. “GSA Africa will function as a guiding voice, bringing the myriad benefits of standards to operators, suppliers and regulators across the continent."

IGSA president Peter DeRaedt

GSA Africa will act as a local IGSA office, working to set essential standards in the growing gaming sector across the continent. To lead this new division, IGSA has appointed F.K. Fayad, CEO of SamPro Group, a conglomerate with a presence in the Middle East and Africa.

Fayad is experienced in trade, technology, ICT, regulation and government consulting in various regions of the world, including Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In addition to his role at SamPro Group, he is a member of the Advisory Panel and Strategic Partner of the Nigerian Arab Gulf Chamber of Commerce, an Economic Advisor to the Commonwealth of Dominica, a volunteer member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and holds other roles in international organizations.

Fayad said: "It is an honor to lead the newly created GSA Africa. Africa is an exciting part of the global gaming industry, where growth is rapid and poised to continue at a strong pace. Bringing IGSA standards to the continent at this phase of its growth is essential, and I am thrilled to lead this charge."

As part of its contribution to GSA Africa, SamPro Group will provide office space for the new division. Fayad will lead the office's efforts to ensure the implementation of quality standards in the region's gaming sector.

In addition to the announcement of GSA Africa, IGSA this year also revealed the creation of two additional committees. The Cyber Resilience Committee (CRC) is focused on setting standards for gaming companies, addressing issues of cyber risk management and cyber security governance.

Another committee, the Responsible Gambling Committee, will focus on providing support to regulators and operators through a “multi-tiered framework” named the Responsible Gambling Maturity Model (RGMM).

Mark Pace, IGSA Vice President

IGSA Vice President and Managing Director of GSA Europe Mark Pace said: "Over the last several years, we have seen the positive impact that GSA Europe's office has had on the gaming industry in Europe.

"Having a presence in the region is important, allowing companies to join an organization created within the Nigerian legal structure. The gaming industry across Africa will benefit from GSA Africa and from F. K. Fayad's leadership."