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Gambling Regulators African Forum (GRAF)
The main objectives of GRAF are the following:
- To provide a forum in which members can meet to exchange views and information and discuss policy on gaming matters
- To liaise with any foreign or international body having any objectives similar to the objectives of the forum
- To serve as a focal point for enquiries by authorities and international organisations with similar or related objectives
- To keep gambling crime-free
- To co-operate on probity and information sharing
- To protect consumers and maintain fairness or equity of the games
- To promote responsible gambling
- To ensure that African nationals benefit visibly from gambling
- To promote harmonisation and mutual recognition of standards
- To contribute towards the enhancement of economic development.
At the conference which was held in Gaborone, Botswana, in October 2005, the Board was appointed as the permanent secretariat of GRAF. This is in line with the former President Thabo Mbeki’s call for the African Renaissance and falls within the bigger picture of the New Partnership for Africa's Development initiative (NEPAD).
This forum protects communities and citizens through the adherence of gaming regulatory laws applicable to each member state. It aligns matters that affect this industry and ensures that Africa and the sub Sahara does not become dumping grounds for old and degenerating gaming technologies. It implements initiatives that are aimed at curbing problem gambling and ensures counselling and education for the affected.
In order to mitigate the challenges faced by African gaming regulators, the GRAF has already formed sub-committees that handle issues of Education and Training and Technology and Illegal Gambling. Activities of this forum are guided by a strategic plan which is endorsed by all member states and implemented through the sub committees. The strategy is reviewed annually at Annual General Meetings. In 2011, about 40 regulars from GRAF member states attended training provided by the University of Nevada which took place in South Africa.
The GRAF member states are encouraged to be members of the International Association of Gaming Regulators
Quick facts about GRAF:
- Its inaugural conference was held from 21-21 February2003, Meropa Casino, Polokwane, Limpopo.
- Countries that have hosted the GRAF conferences are: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and Swaziland.
- It is comprised of national gambling regulators from the African Continent, specifically from Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Gaming regulators perform their duties under their respective laws, regulations and requirements.
- Membership is open to all gambling jurisdictions on the African continent.
- Each member jurisdiction carries one voting right at GRAF meetings and AGMs.
- Chairmanship takes place on a rotation basis.
- The permanent secretariat of the GRAF resides in South Africa.
- Any other state wishing to take up membership may apply through the secretariat.
- Non-members, inclusive of any other person or organization sharing the same vision/ interests are invited to the GRAF as invitees.
- No subscription membership fees apply.
GRAF CEOs Technical Meeting Draft Agenda
GRAF Technical CEO's Circular
GRAF Techical Committee Invitation
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