Africa Gets its First Regulated Online Operator

Africa has its first regulated online gambling provider, as Dunia gained approval for iplay8 to be the first online casino in Tanzania. The casino and games operator has looked to experience in setting up the casino, using Microgaming’s Quickfire platform to offer a selection of casino games to African players.

This is a massive piece of gambling news for the continent, as there was previously no regulated market in any of Africa’s many countries. With Tanzania the only regulated online gambling market in the region, many more companies are sure to follow Dunia’s suit and jump on board.

Dunia’s Director, Costa Giannakopoulos, was delighted, saying: “This is a completely new venture for us therefore it was important that we partnered with a reliable and highly experienced gaming provider. We couldn’t be more delighted with our decision to choose Quickfire; they have been a critical component in the development of our online business.”

This shows the importance that Microgaming have in the gaming world even more, as this is the 24th regulated jurisdiction Quickfire is present in. Ashley Sandyford-Sykes, Quickfire’s head, added: “The introduction of our 24th licensed jurisdiction highlights Quickfire’s global reach and augments our position as a leading supplier of gaming content, worldwide.”

Previously, the need for mobile casino capabilities has been highlighted in Africa: a continent where many internet users rely on their phone for day to day web use. While Tanzanian gambling laws allow for regulation, but many other countries do nothing to stop unregulated operators from offering their products, especially in larger countries such as Nigeria.

With Tanzania becoming the first regulated online market in Africa, more countries are sure to follow, especially as the tax benefits are realized. Licenses in the country are not expensive, yet, but unless the government can block unregulated operators, they may not see many takers.