The Gambling Authority of Botswana is bracing for what could possibly be the most well attended International Association of Gambling Regulators (IAGR) conference, to be held in Botswana from 16 – 19 October.
With just four weeks to go, the IAGR revealed in its latest communique that the Botswana conference was “on track to meet and potentially exceed the incredible delegate turnout seen in Melbourne last year.”
The IAGR’s global reach alert, posted in its Linkedin account, gave a glimpse of jurisdictions that have so far confirmed attendance, among them the United Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Mauritius, Japan, and Jersey. African countries that have accredited include Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi.
Said the IAGR: “The amazing diversity elevates the conference to a whole new level, enriching discussions with a tapestry of regulatory perspectives and insights you won’t find anywhere else.” Botswana won the bid to host this year’s conference last year in Melbourne, Australia. The Gambling Act of Botswana compels the Authority to align with international organisations whose objectives are to regulate gambling and build collaboration among regulators. The IAGR consists of representatives from gaming and gambling regulators with a common mission to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of gaming regulation.
“Held annually, the IAGR conference provides opportunities for gambling and gaming regulators to engage, learn and network with industry peers,” said Peter Kesitilwe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gambling Authority. The government of Botswana was fully in support of the Gambling Authority’s bid to host the conference, as Assistant Minister of Trade Beauty Manake was in Melbourne to accept the country’s nomination as this year’s host.
“My attendance is confirmation that the Gambling Authority Botswana has full support from my Ministry of Trade and Industry. Government has approved the bid to host next conference in 2023, as this will promote Botswana as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism destination. I thank you for having considered Botswana as the next host,” said Manake at the time.
According to Kesitilwe, the conference organizers will also ensure maximum benefits for the tourism, hotel and hospitality industry, entertainment, transport, telecommunications, vendors, hawkers of cultural artifacts. “Preparations for IAGR2023 are well on track. We are ready to host the conference and we look forward to meeting other regulators from across the world,” said Kesitilwe.
