Botswana Gambling Authority engages Chobe Council on sector’s role in local growth
Senior official Emolemo Thari drew parallels between the industry’s potential and Chobe’s existing tourism sector, which attracts visitors to the area’s wildlife parks and riverfront.
Botswana.- The Botswana Gambling Authority has met with the Chobe District Full Council to discuss how regulated gambling can benefit the local economy through job creation and revenue generation. The session, held on November 26 as part of the council’s three-day meeting, drew attention to the industry’s place in national efforts to build income sources beyond mining.
Emolemo Thari, a senior official with the authority, led the discussion, providing an overview of the sector’s framework under the 2012 Gambling Act, which became fully operational in 2016.
He noted that the industry offers direct jobs in casinos and betting, as well as indirect opportunities in areas like maintenance, digital support and other ancillary services. Thari drew parallels between the industry’s potential and Chobe’s existing tourism sector, which attracts visitors to the area’s wildlife parks and riverfront. He suggested that licensed gaming venues could partner with local hotels and tour guides, creating steady work for locals.
One councillor raised questions on licensing steps for small businesses, while another asked about safeguards against debt among families. Thari replied that the authority runs awareness programmes and a toll-free line for those facing issues.
The discussion follows the authority’s recent outreach in the district, including an information stand at the council offices on November 25, where staff offered advice on responsible gaming. It also reflects the vision of Gambling Authority acting CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale for a diversified economy, as conveyed in his speech at the 2025 Botswana Economic Forum, where he emphasised the need for increased investment in the gambling sector.
Authority data reveals that the number of licensed sites nationwide has surpassed 400, up from the comparatively lower figure a decade ago. Officials expect this number to rise towards 500, with each site supporting 10 to 20 workers on average. While exact revenue figures for Chobe remain small, under P1 million (€64,443) yearly, the authority projects a steady rise as more sites open.
