Brian Ondiso discusses responsible gambling, corporate social responsibility, and expansion plans for Shabiki
Shabiki Expands into African Markets, Emphasizing Responsible Gaming and Community Development
Shabiki, a fast-growing sports gaming platform based in Kenya, is making strides in expanding its operations across Africa. The company is leveraging its innovative football betting products and strong commitment to responsible gambling and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to secure a place among Kenya's top three betting companies and explore opportunities in West Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The regulatory environment in East Africa and beyond is a significant factor shaping the gaming industry's strategies. Shabiki is adapting to these changes by focusing more on direct customer engagement, compliant digital platforms, and traditional media like TV and radio. The company's leadership, including Brian Ondiso, Product Team Lead at Shabiki, emphasizes responsible gambling practices and CSR as foundational to its sustainable expansion strategy.
Shabiki has been involved in various CSR initiatives, such as delivering water tanks to drought-hit areas, building tanks in schools, paying school fees for needy students, and distributing sanitary towels in Wajir County. The company has also partnered with organizations like Responsible Gaming Kenya, Mathare-based support services, and technology firms like NetNami to block underage access and provide helplines.
In the realm of responsible gaming, Shabiki has implemented deposit limits, self-exclusion options, inactivity reminders, and transaction summaries as standard safety features to ensure responsible gaming. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in Kenya is urging licensed operators to contribute meaningfully to society, a call that Shabiki has heeded.
Brian Ondiso, now appointed as the Chief Product Officer of Relum, has emphasized that businesses making profits should give back to the community. Shabiki's commitment to this philosophy is evident in its partnerships and CSR initiatives.
Innovation is also at the heart of Shabiki's expansion strategy. The company is working on an innovative sports-based "race" product, further cementing its position as a leader in the African gaming industry.
The regulatory landscape remains a major factor in the gaming industry's strategies. Shabiki is emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration with the BCLB and the FRC to tackle unlicensed operators. The BCLB recently banned the use of influencers and celebrities in gambling marketing, a move that Shabiki supports as it aligns with the company's commitment to responsible marketing practices.
As Shabiki continues to grow and expand, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, responsible gaming, and community development. The company's focus on markets with strong regulation and where Swahili can provide an advantage positions it well for success in the African gaming market.
- Shabiki's expansion into African markets not only includes sports betting and leveraging technology, but also emphasizes responsible gambling and community development as part of their sustainable growth strategy.
- In line with its commitment to responsible gaming, Shabiki has implemented numerous safety features such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and partnerships with organizations like Responsible Gaming Kenya to block underage access.
- As a responsible business, Shabiki is utilizing its success in the gaming industry to contribute positively to the community through various CSR initiatives, such as providing water tanks, paying school fees for needy students, and partnering with technology firms to ensure responsible marketing practices.
