Self-Exclusion Standards Project Presented to African Standards Body as Global Player Protection Benchmark
Experts from Casino Guru and University of London presented the Self-Exclusion Standards Project at the ARSO assembly in Kenya. It proposes a three-stage evidence-based framework for uniform online self-exclusion rules, focused on Africa and cross-border adoption. The effort targets consistent player safeguards and easier enforcement.
SCCG Take — The standards could reduce fragmentation for operators expanding in Africa while giving regulators an evidence-based tool for consistent enforcement.
Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable and Safer Gambling at Casino Guru, and Dr Margaret Carran, Assistant VP for Education Partnerships at City St George’s, University of London, have presented the Self-Exclusion Standards Project. The initiative focuses on standardized guidelines for online self-exclusion programs across jurisdictions, with particular attention to Africa.
The presentation took place at the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in Kenya on August 24 – August 28, hosted in partnership with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Project Framework and Stakeholder Benefits
Vincze said: “We focused on every aspect of the self-exclusion process and its implementation at operators to ensure that players are well-informed, able to find the right tool and use it at times when they are losing control. At the same time, we have sought to equip operators with appropriate procedures and safeguards to make sure they protect those who need it effectively.”
The result of extensive research, the Self-Exclusion Standards Project outlines a three-stage evidence-based approach derived from research, workgroup consultation, and broader public consultation. This delivers a gold standard that can be adopted across jurisdictions.
Dr Carran commented: “Creating international standards for safer gambling tools and principles would bring enormous benefits to all stakeholders. The regulators and policy makers would have a reliable, evidence-based and robust source of what offers genuine protection; enforcement would become easier; players would benefit from a consistently high level of protection regardless of where they choose to gamble, and the public would gain confidence that the governments are indeed serious about protecting players from gambling-related harms.”
The framework is designed to be easy to integrate across state borders. It can have an immediate impact on player well-being and consumer protection standards. The authors have vowed to support jurisdictions attempting to implement the framework.
Path to Implementation
According to iGaming Future, the project is positioned to help set a global benchmark for player protection. Its cross-border focus addresses consistency in self-exclusion practices where standards currently vary. Success hinges on uptake by regulators and operators in target regions including Africa.
Reporting: iGaming Future
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
A credible, evidence-based self-exclusion standard could simplify compliance and improve player protection across fragmented African markets.
We've watched Africa's regulatory patchwork frustrate operators for years. A common self-exclusion framework — especially one backed by research and presented at the continental standards body — gives regulators a ready-made tool and operators a clearer playbook. If ARSO member states adopt it, compliance gets easier and safer gambling becomes less of a moving target.
- Three-stage framework presented at ARSO assembly in Kenya, targeting cross-border adoption
- Aims to standardize online self-exclusion across African jurisdictions with evidence-based guidelines
- Developers pledge implementation support for regulators adopting the framework
SCCG angle: SCCG has deep relationships with regulators and compliance providers across emerging markets, including Africa. When a standard like this gains traction, we connect operators to the right local partners and advisory voices to implement it ahead of the curve — turning regulatory clarity into competitive advantage.
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