Sunbet makes history as Botswana’s first licensed online betting operator
Sunbet becomes the first online operator to receive regulatory approval from Botswana’s Gambling Authority and grows by 4,700 per cent in first month of operation.
Botswana: Sunbet has officially become the first online operator to receive regulatory approval from the Gambling Authority (GA) of Botswana, a watershed moment in the country’s digital entertainment landscape.
The announcement comes a month after it launched its online sports and betting platform, and it’s already smashing records in Botswana.
According to company officials, Sunbet has seen a jaw-dropping 4,700 per cent increase in signups, a clear sign that the appetite for regulated online gaming is both real and roaring.
In a statement following the historic regulatory approval, Sunbet Botswana Director Tshiamo James Motsumi said: “We are immensely proud to be Botswana’s first online betting and gaming operator, and we are committed to expanding our presence with our exciting and innovative range of ever-increasing online games, all on a safe, secure space, and on a stable platform.”
The road to approval was not easy
But the road to approval wasn’t instant. One of the key conditions for licensing included opening physical Sunbet stores across the country to support the digital platform. The Gambling Authority carried out rigorous site inspections and tech evaluations from November 2024 to February 2025 to ensure safety, consistency and compliance.
After ticking all the regulatory boxes, Sunbet was granted Botswana’s very first online gaming and betting licence and officially opened its virtual doors on February 13, 2025.
With boots on the ground and bytes in the cloud, the operator is looking to scale at speed.
“Coupled with our physical stores and our innovative online platform we intend to rapidly roll out exciting new games from slots and table games to sports betting, crash games, lucky numbers, virtuals and much more,” Motsumi said.
“Our innovative and constantly evolving tech platforms is unmatched, and we can also offer assurance that Sunbet puts the safety and security of our customers first. Our trusted Sun International promise is our commitment to delivering a trustworthy, reliable and secure gaming service.”
A South African powerhouse, now winning in Botswana
Sunbet’s parent company, Sun International, is a heavyweight in the hospitality and gaming industry in neighbouring South Africa, boasting more than four decades of casino expertise and 11 years of online gaming excellence.
In Botswana, the brand already has deep roots as the founder and long-time operator of Gaborone Sun.
Now, the online offshoot is driving serious momentum.
“The rise in active Sunbet players was a key driver of its performance, supported by marketing efforts, the launch of new games and ongoing improvements to the overall player experience,” said Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming.
He emphasised that the company’s robust brand recognition and market savvy will be critical as it continues to grow its user base. He said Sun International would sustain its growth trajectory through strategic planning, efficient capital allocation, cost management and a focus on operational excellence.
Digital deposits introduced
Taking it a step further, Sunbet has also teamed up with Mascom’s MyZaka to bring fast deposits and fee-free deposits to new players.
As Botswana comes into the digital ecosystem of gaming, Sunbet is leading the charge – licensed, legal, and already loved by thousands.
