Gaming agents and other customer-facing professionals in the Southeast and Southsouth are set to undergo training on responsible gaming and player protection at a two-day programme in Owerri, Imo State, next month.
The Southeast and Southsouth Responsible Gaming Capacity Building Programme (SESSRG) is scheduled for October 14 and 15 at Imo Digital City Limited.
The programme is being organised by the Imo State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (ISLGA) in collaboration with Gamble Alert, an organisation focused on responsible gaming, gambling harm prevention, research, counselling and stakeholder capacity development.
The organisers said the programme would bring together gaming agents, affiliates, other industry professionals who interact directly with players and relevant regulatory stakeholders.
They said the training would focus on responsible gaming, player protection and the identification and management of gambling-related risks.
Particular attention would be given to retail gaming agents because of their frequent interaction with players.
Gamble Alert said agents occupy an important position in the responsible gaming chain because their conduct could influence how gaming products are accessed, marketed and experienced by consumers.
The organisation said participants would be equipped with practical knowledge and tools to identify potential gambling-related risks and respond appropriately when interacting with consumers.
It added that player protection should extend beyond encouraging individuals to gamble responsibly, noting that professionals who operate at points of contact with players also require the knowledge and skills to promote safer gaming practices.
Gamble Alert said responsible gaming should be integrated across the gaming value chain rather than treated solely as an awareness campaign or regulatory requirement.
The Owerri programme is also expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting responsible gaming, exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation among operators, agents and regulators in the two regions.
The initiative comes amid increased emphasis on consumer protection and harm prevention in Nigeria’s gaming sector, particularly among stakeholders who interact directly with players.