Botswana reviews outdated gambling laws amid digital betting surge
As online betting surges and unlicensed platforms proliferate, Botswana’s Gambling Authority moves to modernise its outdated laws and bring the booming sector under control.
Botswana.- With a gambling boom sweeping across Botswana, the country’s Gambling Authority is racing to update its outdated policies to rein in the explosive growth of both legal and illegal betting.
A major policy review and legislative overhaul are now underway, aimed at tightening oversight, curbing illicit platforms, and tapping into the sector’s full revenue potential.
The numbers are staggering. In March alone, punters reportedly placed bets worth P150 million ($10.95m). Yet only 40 per cent of Botswana’s estimated 550,000-strong betting population used licensed operators, revealing the scale of the black market.
“This statistic is alarming and highlights the growing threat of illegal online betting platforms that are not regulated and do not contribute to our economy,” said Gambling Authority CEO Peter Kesitilwe, according to Mmego online.
Rethink of 2002 policy
At the heart of the Authority’s action plan is a comprehensive review of the 2002 Gambling Policy and amendments to the 2012 Gambling Act.
These updates will introduce stricter anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing rules, lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18, and enhance cross-border enforcement – steps meant to bring Botswana in line with global best practices.
Kesitilwe believed these changes would allow companies to legally enrol more customers who would otherwise migrate to unregulated platforms.
A wave of new operators – Betway, Sunbet Botswana, PSBET, BBets, and Bet267 – have officially entered the country, expanding the market but also sparking concerns about addiction and financial ruin, especially among the elderly and youth.
In response, the Authority has launched a national study to assess the prevalence of gambling addiction and the risks of digital platforms.
Kesitilwe said the results would inform future interventions, as Botswana seeks to harness the sector’s growth while protecting its people.
