Robin Bennett: Protecting the industry means protecting everyone
In recent years, industry discussions around responsible gambling have frequently used the phrase “player protection” or “the safety of players.” Robin Bennett, Head of Compliance at the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, believes it is time to rethink this approach. He says the goal should extend beyond protecting players to safeguarding the gambling industry as a whole.
“A strong, credible, and well-regulated industry naturally protects everyone within it: licence holders, employees, and, of course, players too,” Bennett explains. He emphasises that when the industry functions within a transparent and lawful framework, the benefits extend to all stakeholders.
Licensed operators are not the enemy
Bennett notes that protection often implies the presence of danger or harm. However, he stresses that licensed operators are not the source of such threats. “When it comes to licensed operators, those who comply with regulations, invest in technology, and uphold fair play, we are not dealing with bad actors,” he says.
The licensing process, according to Bennett, is both thorough and stringent. It involves rigorous probity checks to ensure that only individuals and entities with integrity and competence qualify for operation. “Legislation also prohibits certain individuals or entities from holding a licence, ensuring only those who meet the threshold of integrity and competence are permitted to operate,” he adds.
Bennett cautions that suggesting players need protection from licensed operators undermines confidence in the regulatory framework. “To suggest that players need protection from licensed operators implies mistrust in the very system we have worked so hard to build,” he says.
The threat that lies beyond regulation
Bennett highlights illegal operators, unlicensed online operations, and fraud-centred activities as the real threats to the industry and to players as well. It is apparent that the mentioned dangers are forces external to the industry, which are taking advantage of gamblers and licensed operators alike.
“When we talk about ‘protection,’ it must include protecting players by removing illegal and predatory operators; protecting licensed operators from unfair competition, cheating, and reputational damage; and protecting the credibility of regulators, whose oversight ensures fairness and public trust,” Bennett states.
Responsible gambling and the road ahead
Bennett acknowledges that responsible gambling measures remain vital but says they are part of a broader system. “Player safety remains vital, but it is one pillar within a larger structure,” he explains. He advocates for stronger responsible gambling tools, improved player education, and sustained public awareness to encourage gambling as a form of entertainment rather than risk.
“I do not suggest that the responsible gambling measures currently available are adequate. We still have a long road ahead,” Bennett admits. Ensuring that players have access to meaningful tools that support responsible and sustainable play remains a key goal.
A call for proactive protection
For Bennett, protecting the industry is about more than regulation; it is about building trust and ensuring long-term sustainability. “The long-term sustainability of this industry also depends on shielding it from criminal infiltration, money laundering, and unregulated online markets,” he says.
He concludes that protection should be viewed as a positive, proactive duty. “Let it be a positive, proactive statement of our collective duty: to protect the integrity, sustainability, and legitimacy of the gambling industry in South Africa,” Bennett states.
“When the industry is protected, when it operates transparently, lawfully, and responsibly, everyone benefits: the players, the operators, the regulators, and, ultimately, the public trust.”
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