Emperors Palace, Johannesburg – November 1, 2024 The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is pleased to announce the winners of the first-ever Responsible Gambling Awards.
This prestigious event, hosted at Emperors Palace on November 1, commemorates two decades of SARGF’s work at the forefront of Responsible Gambling initiatives, as well as treating and counselling over 20 000 patients since its founding as a global pioneer in this space. The event also marks the beginning of November Responsible Gambling Month (NRGM) - an annual campaign designed to educate the public on the potential harmful effects of problem gambling.
Since 2016, the SARGF has designated November as Responsible Gambling Month as part of a larger effort to promote awareness and prevent gambling-related harm. During NRGM, stakeholders in both the public (gambling regulators) and private sectors (licensed operators) come together to emphasize responsible gambling practices. This month’s campaign also aligns with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence due to the strong correlation between problem gambling and unintended social harms, including domestic abuse and financial strain on families.
“The SARGF is a pioneer in Responsible Gambling initiatives and a world-leader in its proactive approach to self-regulation of the legal gambling industry,” says Executive Director, Sibongile Simelane-Quntana. “As we celebrate 20 years of our committed work in this space, it seems fitting that we should also acknowledge those key role-players including regulatory bodies, individuals and operators who take the well-being of gamblers, their families and the potential negative impact of gambling to heart and strive to create an impactful and caring regulated industry. Another important aspect of these awards is to create greater awareness among the public around services we offer for problem gamblers like free counselling and treatment - ultimately letting the public know that we have their back.”
One of South Africa’s largest gambling operators Hollywoodbets, has fully embraced the event as a sponsor, acknowledging the important role licensed gambling operators play in providing awareness, support and access to responsible gambling initiatives like self-exclusion for problem gamblers.
“Hollywoodbets is proud to sponsor the inaugural South African Responsible Gambling Awards,” says Zandile Dlamini, Hollywoodbets Legal & Compliance Manager. “As a socially-aware, legal gambling operator, we fully endorse and support any measures that will mitigate problem gambling”.
Accordingly, Hollywoodbets through the Hollywood Foundation have recommitted their support and have increased their support to the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation from 2 Counsellors to 5 Counsellors and increased the reach of schools from 65 to over 80 schools in the new financial year.
Award Categories and Winners
The Responsible Gambling Awards recognize outstanding achievements and dedication in promoting responsible gambling practices. The winners in each category include:
Regulator: Responsible Gambling Initiative of the YearWinners: Gold - Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board; Silver - Limpopo Gambling Board.
Commitment to Responsible Gambling by Operator Over and Above Licence ConditionsWinners: Gold - Hollywoodbets.
Best Innovation in Responsible Gambling ProgrammeWinners: Gold - Time Square, Sun International; Silver - Sumsub.
Best Emerging Responsible Gambling ProgrammeWinners: Gold - Eastern Cape Gambling Board; Silver - KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority; Bronze - North West Gambling Board
Most Requested Responsible Gambling Operator TrainingWinners Casino Sector: Gold - Tsogo Sun; Silver - Sun International; Bronze - Peermont.
Winners Bingo Sector: Gold - Gold Rush; Silver - Galaxy Bingo.
Winners LPM Sector: Gold - Crazy Slots; Silver - Pioneer Slots.
Winners Bookmaker Betting and Racing Sector: Gold - Betfred SA; Silver - 4Racing; Bronze - BetXchange.
Winner Totalisator Sector: Gold - 4Racing.
Best Responsible Gambling Messaging and Marketing Campaign by a RegulatorWinners: Gold - Gauteng Gambling Board; Silver - Eastern Cape Gambling Board; Bronze - Limpopo Gambling Board.
Best Industry Self-Exclusion InnovationWinner: Gold - South African Bookmakers Association.
Best Responsible Gambling Messaging and Marketing Campaign by an OperatorWinners: Gold - Betway; Silver - Hollywoodbets; Bronze - Tsogo Sun.
Responsible Gambling Lifetime Achievement AwardWinners: Dr. Serobi Maja; Jan de Lange; Edward Lalumbe (posthumous); Chris Fismer.
“Through the Responsible Gambling Awards, we aim to foster open dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders, prioritizing the health and well-being of players and their families,” said Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. “The NRGM is an essential component of our public awareness strategy, and we’re excited to see the industry rally behind this initiative.”
About the South African Responsible Gambling FoundationSARGF is a non-profit company focused on preventing gambling addiction and promoting responsible gambling in South Africa. The Foundation’s mission includes public education, support for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction, and policy influence based on robust data and research. Through its flagship programme the National Responsible Gambling Programme offers free counselling, treatment and social services to those impacted directly and indirectly by excessive and gambling. 24/7 toll-free counselling line 0800 006 008 or Whatsapp 076 675 0710.
ENDS
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