Operator News
South Africa – IAGR set for October conference in Johannesburg
By Phil - 29 June 2017The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced that its 2017 Annual Conference will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa over October 16 to 19, 2017.
The event will explore issues affecting gaming regulators, policymakers and industry executives in gambling markets around the world.
The conference will focus on challenges faced by regulators as they seek to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of gambling oversight. Expected to attend the annual gathering are IAGR members who represent gaming jurisdictions from throughout the world including those in Asia, Australia, Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and South America. Industry representatives are also invited to attend the conference.
“IAGR is pleased and excited to be returning to South Africa for our 2017 Conference,” said Dale Fuga, President of IAGR and Chief Operating Officer of the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (Canada). “Our first conference as an independent organization took place in 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa under the leadership of then-President Mr. Serobi Maja. Since that time, IAGR has hosted conferences in several countries around the world to educate regulators, encourage discussion, foster international cooperation and work on developing common standards for regulating gaming in a global environment. This year’s conference in Johannesburg will provide topics related to the regulation of evolving and emerging technology used by land-based and online operators, sports betting, responsible gambling and much more. I encourage all of our regulatory members and those in the gaming industry to attend what will definitely be an educational and informative conference.”
“The local organising committee (LOC) has been hard at work ensuring that, come the time for the conference in October, the conference lives up to IAGR’s annual conference standards and that delegates are treated to a unique experience of true African indulgence,” said Bheki Mlambo, Johannesburg 2017 Conference Sub-Committee Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Mpumalanga Gambling Board (South Africa). “The conference venue, Emperors Palace is conveniently situated next to O.R. Tambo International Airport and offers guests a complimentary shuttle service operating every 20 minutes daily. We have negotiated discounted accommodation rates of between 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the normal rack rate for our delegates. The LOC is currently finalising various social event programmes for our delegates and together with the host jurisdiction, we are looking forward to welcoming you all.”
“Every year it becomes more apparent that there are many issues that jurisdictions from around the world share in common,” said Nick Tofiluk, Johannesburg 2017 Conference Sub-Committee Co-Chair and Director of Regulatory Operations of the Gambling Commission (United Kingdom). “We operate in a fast-moving industry but by working together we can learn from each other, share best practice and uphold common regulatory standards on a global stage. I am confident that this year’s conference will attract high quality presenters who will provide authority and topicality to the subjects they address. I have no doubt that those attending will benefit from the insights these speakers provide, as well as the more informal networking opportunities that a conference of this nature give.”
The conference will take place at the Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort.