Botswana regulator hosts responsible gambling first aid workshop at Big Valley
The programme included a refresher on the fundamentals of responsible gambling.
Botswana.- The Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA) has conducted a responsible gambling training session for contact persons and venue managers from casinos, betting shops and limited payout machine sites across the country.
The workshop, held on Tuesday, December 2, at Big Valley Game Lodge, focused on educating participants about recognising and responding to problem gambling behaviours.
The programme included a refresher on the fundamentals of responsible gambling and clear procedures for starting supportive conversations and making referrals to professional help. A section on regulatory inspections explained what documentation must be maintained and how contact persons should assist during visits.
As per Botswana’s gambling regulations, every licensed venue must appoint trained contact persons who serve as the first line of support for customers showing signs of difficulty. Regular training ensures staff remain familiar with the latest identification techniques and intervention steps, and that operators meet their legal duty to minimise harm.
The workshop is part of the authority’s long-running Motshameko O Phepa (“Play Safely”) campaign, under which it has undertaken various initiatives to promote responsible gaming practices.
Similar sessions have taken place throughout 2025. In September, the authority ran a nationwide series for all industry employees covering the Gambling Act requirements, while earlier workshops targeted specific regions and operator groups. The Big Valley event continues this pattern of routine capacity-building.
