Guinean gambling mogul Mamadou Antonio Souaré has reportedly expressed his interest in reclaiming Guinee Games, following the establishment of the country’s gambling regulatory authority ARSJPA.
Souaré, who is known for his vast interests in the gambling industry, had previously been involved in Guinee Games until the company was seized by the government in 2020 due to non-payment of taxes.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Souaré has been closely monitoring the recent developments in the country’s gambling industry and sees the establishment of a regulatory authority as a positive step towards legalizing and regulating the sector.
Guinee Games was one of the largest gambling companies in the country before its seizure and was involved in several aspects of the industry, including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries.
Souaré, who is also the president of the Guinean Football Federation, has been involved in the industry for several years, and his company, Africa Bet, is a major player in the sports betting market in the West African region.
The establishment of ARSJPA is seen as a significant development in the country’s gambling industry, which has largely been unregulated until now. The regulatory authority is tasked with overseeing and regulating all forms of gambling, including sports betting, casinos, lotteries, and online gambling.
The move towards regulation has been welcomed by industry insiders, who see it as an opportunity to create a more transparent and accountable sector, which could attract more investment and create jobs in the country.
Guinea has a relatively small gambling industry compared to other countries in the region, but there is significant potential for growth, particularly in sports betting, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Souaré’s interest in reclaiming his former company is seen as a positive development for the industry, and it is hoped that it could lead to increased investment and growth in the sector.
However, it remains to be seen whether the government will be open to the idea of returning the company to Souaré, particularly given the history of non-payment of taxes. Nonetheless, the establishment of a regulatory authority is an important step towards creating a more robust and accountable gambling industry in the country.
