Namibia gambling board orders operators to settle outstanding levies
The board warned that failure to settle debts could trigger disciplinary measures.
Namibia.- The Gambling Board of Namibia has issued an urgent call for all licensed gambling operators to settle outstanding levies and regulatory fees in line with national legislation. In Public Notice No. 001 of 2026, published on January 23, 2026, the board directed casino operators, gambling houses and bar and shebeen licence holders to regularise all overdue payments of statutory levies and fees.
The notice, issued under sections 61 and 62 of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 2018, requires affected operators to pay outstanding amounts either from the date their licence was issued or from the date of their last remittance.
Operators have been given until April 30, 2026, to comply. After this deadline, the board warned that failure to settle debts could trigger disciplinary measures, including financial penalties or the suspension or revocation of licences. Licensees must also submit detailed levy remittance forms declaring monthly net income, applicable levies and supporting documentation to the board’s offices in Windhoek or via email.
The move underscores ongoing efforts by regulators to strengthen compliance in a gambling industry long marked by disputes over fee obligations. In April 2025, the Windhoek High Court reaffirmed that licensed gambling houses are legally required to pay statutory levies, including a 10 per cent levy on profits, under amendments introduced by the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act.
The court dismissed a challenge by the Gambling House Association of Namibia, which had sought to suspend levy payments pending enforcement action against illegal gambling outlets. Operators argued that ongoing illegal competition undermined their ability to meet statutory obligations, but the court ruled that the 2018 legislation takes precedence over earlier agreements.
The enforcement action comes amid broader industry concerns about the proliferation of illegal gambling operations alongside licensed venues, which operators say is eroding revenues and intensifying financial pressure. As the compliance deadline approaches, Namibia’s gambling sector faces critical decisions that will shape regulatory oversight and financial stability in a market seeking both growth and stronger enforcement.
