Gambling Authority eyes P1bn revenue

The Gambling Authority has projected that Botswana’s gambling industry will reach a gross revenue of P1 billion by the end of the 2025/26 financial year—a dramatic leap from the long-standing annual average of P230 million.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Moruntshi Kemorwale told journalists in Gaborone that the surge reflects global trends, increased digital access, and shifting consumer behaviour. But he cautioned that rapid growth also brings heightened responsibility.

“We are at a crossroads as an industry. It is either we swim or sink. We must redouble our efforts to ensure safety for all,” Kemorwale said, stressing the urgent need for a central electronic monitoring system as provided for in the Gambling Act.

He acknowledged that the Authority still relies heavily on external consultants due to limited local expertise, noting that no training institutions in Botswana—and few internationally—offer gambling related courses.

“We all learn as we go,” he said, adding that licensees often remain a step ahead of regulators.

Kemorwale warned that the industry’s expansion has created compliance pressures, technological complexity, and enforcement challenges.

He revealed that some employees live in fear of retaliation from illegal operators, but insisted the Authority is responding with stronger frameworks, inspections, audits, and cross border enforcement.

Compliance levels across the sector remain uneven. While many operators engage constructively, others struggle with systems integrity, record keeping, consumer complaint resolution, advertising standards, and responsible gambling controls.

The Authority continues to issue corrective directives, sanctions, and enforcement actions where necessary. “Above all, we want to be known as a facilitative regulator, not one that pulls the hand brake on the industry,” Kemorwale said.

“Our objective is not to be punitive, but to ensure licensed operators act lawfully, fairly, and responsibly.”

He also addressed public concerns that Batswana are being “ripped off” by betting operators.

“Gambling is designed to favour the house over time, and this is a global reality,” he said.

“What is unacceptable is unfair play, misleading practices, lack of transparency, or systems that deny players legitimate recourse.”