Botswana Gambling Authority trains GoldRush staff on player protection and financial safeguards
Trainers from the Authority walked participants, numbering about two dozen, through practical skills, including how to spot at-risk behaviours like repeated high-stakes play.
Botswana.- The Gambling Authority of Botswana has held a training session for new employees at Goldrush Slots Botswana, covering responsible gambling practices and anti-money laundering measures. Held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the workshop aimed to build foundational skills for frontline staff in a sector that handles daily transactions and customer interactions.
Trainers from the Authority walked participants, numbering about two dozen, through practical skills, including how to spot at-risk behaviours like repeated high-stakes play and the steps for customer due diligence under Botswana’s Financial Intelligence Act. Operators are required to conduct annual staff training on these topics to prevent money laundering and support vulnerable players.
Gabriel Pachawo, Chief Operating Officer at Goldrush Slots Botswana, said: “These sessions give our team the confidence to step in when a customer shows signs of trouble. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone plays a role in keeping things fair.”
The Authority’s efforts align with its broader push for safer gaming, including the recently launched responsible gambling campaign named “Motshameko O Phepha”. Through the initiative, which translates to “Game of Safety” in Setswana, the authority delivers workshops in schools and community centres, while also offering self-exclusion programs that allow individuals or families to restrict access to gambling venue. A 2023 study by the Authority found that one in ten Batswana gamblers faces moderate risks, therefore displaying the need for such education at operator levels.
Thato Ramolotsane, Compliance Manager at the Gambling Authority, added: “We work directly with operators like Goldrush to embed these standards from day one. Trained staff means fewer risks for players and stronger trust in our industry.”
By prioritising employee knowledge, the Authority and operators like Goldrush support a system that balances economic contributions, estimated at more than 1 billion pula (€64m) annually, with protections for everyday participants. As the sector adds more digital and on-site options, such hands-on preparation will shape how gambling fits into local life.
