Botswana’s sports betting market soars as Gambling Authority steps up responsible play
Millions wagered monthly as the regulator aims to protect punters and guide the industry’s growth.
Botswana.- Botswana’s sports betting market is booming, and the Gambling Authority (GA) is moving quickly to keep growth responsible. With millions wagered monthly, the regulator is intensifying efforts to promote safe play and safeguard the industry’s future.
The betting boom landed with force earlier this year, turning everyday citizens into sharp-eyed punters almost overnight. In March 2025 alone, bets placed through licensed operators reached P150 million ($11m).
With P135 million ($9.9m) paid out in winnings, the GA netted P15 million ($1.1m) in gross gambling revenue for that month. But that number reflects only 40 per cent of the estimated 550,000 active gamblers in the country. If the rest shift into the regulated space, annual revenues could top P450 million ($33m).
While the financial upside is clear, the Gambling Authority (GA) is focused on steering the sector with caution.
“As the gambling landscape evolves, particularly with the recent introduction of regulated online and retail betting, our role in ensuring public safety, consumer protection and informed gambling becomes even more critical,” said GA CEO Peter Kesitilwe, speaking at the Clash of Legends football gala held at Francistown, according to Mmegi Online.
“Events like Clash of Legends help us bring that message home, through activation stalls, outreach and interactions that make responsible gambling real and relatable,” said Kesitilwe.
The Authority has already issued ten new bookmaker licences, six of which are operational and have generated over 400 jobs. The town of Francistown hosted several GA outreach initiatives over the weekend, where punters were introduced to betting limits, self-exclusion tools, age verification protocols and tips to identify gambling addiction.
Regulatory reform is also on the table. The Authority is backing changes to the 2012 Gambling Act to bolster anti-money laundering regulations and lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18. Alongside the Botswana Football League, the GA is also developing a safeguarding manual for elite football. The message from the GA is clear: enjoy the game, but know when to call time.
