IAGR’s Annual Conference, that took place October 16-19 in Johannesburg, has been declared a huge success by IAGR Board of Trustees and delegates alike.

Dale Fuga, IAGR President and Chief Operating Officer – Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba said: ‘The Conference attracted over 250 delegates representing 41 different gambling jurisdictions representing 31 countries and every continent. I should like to place on record my thanks for the amazing support we received from The Gauteng Gambling Board and the warm welcome we received from the people of Johannesburg.

‘Our program was intended to challenge and generate discussion within the overall theme “Recognizing tomorrow’s challenges by acting today”.  Dan Waugh, a Partner at Regulus Partners set the scene with his thought-provoking keynote session on “Avoiding boom and bust in gambling regulation”.  We also tackled subjects such as how PR and communication can be used as tools to enhance and extend the reach of gaming regulation, the promise and challenges of Blockchain, how to regulate in the digital market, responsible gambling approaches and interventions, eSports, and  Anti-Money Laundering considerations. Of particular interest for South African delegates was a session on changes in the punter profile and the possible impact to the gambling regulatory landscape in Africa.

‘We were fortunate to have the Hon Mr Lebogang Maile, Gauteng Province MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development provide a keynote address. One of his key messages was that the gambling industry had a significant role to play in promoting responsible gambling.  He also recognised the important role that IAGR plays in networking, and sharing information on gaming developments and regulation.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the presenters for their contributions, compelling insights and for giving their time so freely.  At the Annual General Members Meeting, four of the existing Trustees were confirmed in office and will serve a second and final term.

They are:

Susan Hensel, Director of Licensing, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, USA

Bheki Mlambo, Chief Executive Officer, Mpumalanga Gambling Board, South Africa

Jerry See, Chief Executive Officer, Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA), Singapore

Fortune Sekgaphane, Chief Executive Officer, North West Gambling Board, South Africa

Dale Fuga serves a further 12 months as President, with Trude Felde, Senior Advisor, The Norwegian Gaming & Foundation Authority, nominated as Vice-President.  Bruce Molnar, Chairman, Pokagon Band Gaming Commission (USA) was re-appointed to a new two-year term as Treasurer.  Cedrick Chiloane, Executive Manager: Communications, Mpumalanga Gambling Board (South Africa) remains as Secretary.

Profiles of all Trustees can be found on the IAGR website.

The Conference also bade farewell to Trustee, Nick Tofiluk who has recently left the UK Gambling Commission to take up a new role.

Copenhagen will be the venue for next year’s IAGR conference and will run from September 17-20 2018.