Botswana reports US$94.6m gambling revenue as illegal betting falls
Gambling Authority figures show licensed platforms now hold 1.5 million accounts, while active users on illegal betting sites have fallen to about 40,000.
Key takeaways:
- Botswana recorded P1.3bn (US$94.6m) in gambling revenue in 2025/26, according to Gambling Authority chief executive Moruntshi Kemorwale.
- P181m (US$13.1m) of that revenue went to the government through taxes and levies.
- More than 500,000 Batswana were active on illegal betting sites before online betting licences were introduced in February 2025.
- Active users on illegal betting sites have since fallen to about 40,000, while licensed platforms have recorded 1.5 million accounts.
- Kemorwale said around 30 per cent of Botswana’s population participates in gambling and urged local developers to create mobile games with betting elements for export.
Botswana.- Botswana recorded P1.3bn (US$94.6m) in gambling revenue in 2025/26 as bettors increasingly moved from illegal websites to licensed online platforms. Gambling Authority chief executive Moruntshi Kemorwale said active users on illegal betting sites have fallen from more than 500,000 before online licensing began in February 2025 to about 40,000. Licensed platforms, meanwhile, have recorded 1.5 million accounts, while P181m (US$13.1m) of the sector’s revenue reached the government through taxes and levies.
Moruntshi Kemorwale disclosed the figures at the Made in BW – Sold to the World Expo 2026, while urging local developers to explore opportunities in mobile game development. Kemorwale said around 30 per cent of Botswana’s population participates in gambling, while more than 1,000 mobile games featuring betting elements are available. He encouraged students and local innovators to develop their own products, arguing that Botswana could move beyond consuming games developed elsewhere and create products for export.
He also stressed the importance of responsible gambling and consumer protection in developing the sector. Effective regulation, he said, can help build trust as betting activity moves onto licensed platforms.
His remarks formed part of wider discussions at the expo on expanding domestic production and developing businesses capable of competing internationally. Trade and entrepreneurship minister Tiroeaone Ntsima addressed manufacturing and export development, while water and human settlement minister Onneetse Ramogapi discussed Palapye’s role in economic diversification. Lands and agriculture minister Dr Edwin Gorataone Dikoloti focused on agricultural value addition and market access.
Hosted by Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) in partnership with AlignSure Solution, the expo ran from October 8–9 at the university’s campus in Palapye.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How much gambling revenue did Botswana record in 2025/26? Botswana recorded P1.3bn, equivalent to US$94.6m, in gambling revenue in 2025/26. Of that amount, P181m (US$13.1m) went to the government through taxes and levies.
- How has illegal betting changed in Botswana? More than 500,000 Batswana were active on illegal betting sites before online betting licences were introduced in February 2025. That figure has since fallen to about 40,000.
- How many accounts do licensed Botswana betting platforms have? Licensed platforms have recorded 1.5 million accounts. Gambling Authority chief executive Moruntshi Kemorwale disclosed the figure at the Made in BW – Sold to the World Expo 2026.
- What opportunity has Botswana’s Gambling Authority identified in mobile gaming? Kemorwale encouraged students and local innovators to develop mobile games featuring betting elements. He said Botswana could move beyond consuming games developed elsewhere and create products for export.
