Botswana GGR projected to surpass P1bn by March 2026
Moruntshi Kemorwale, acting CEO of the Gambling Authority, said revenue had already passed P700 m as of December 2025.
Botswana.- Botswana’s gambling market is on track to post gross gambling revenue of P1bn (€78m) by the close of the financial year ending March 2026, according to the regulator. The forecast comes after GGR climbed to P234 m (€18m) in 2024, fuelled by the rapid growth of online betting platforms.
The rise comes from increased access to betting through smartphones and the licensing of more online operators earlier in 2025. People in Botswana are placing bets on local and international sports events, often starting with small amounts such as P1 (€0.08). The number of active bettors has grown from around 500,000 to more than 700,000.
Moruntshi Kemorwale, acting CEO of the Gambling Authority, said during a recent briefing that revenue had already passed P700 m (€55m) as of December 2025. He stated: “We expect gambling revenue to exceed the P1 bn target by March this year. This is driven by growing adoption of betting in the country.”
Kemorwale also pointed out that the figure reflects player losses, adding: “Every pula recorded as GGR is a pula someone played and did not win back.”
Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, highlighted the sector’s potential during a campaign launch in Francistown. He noted: “Globally, gambling generates over US$500 bn in gross gambling revenue annually. In Botswana, our industry currently averages P250 m (€19.5m), and projections show this could exceed P1bn next financial year.”
He added that the expansion could create jobs and attract investment, but stressed the need for sustainable practices to address risks.
