Botswana Gambling Authority Issues Ten Bookmaker Licences to Boost Regulated Market

Of the ten licensed operators, six have already launched operations, one has withdrawn, and the remaining three are preparing to commence activities in the near future. This development reflects the Authority’s strategic move to enhance the structure and oversight of gambling activities in Botswana, positioning the country in line with global standards.

The expansion of the sector is already yielding economic benefits, with over 400 jobs created through casinos and licensed bookmakers. The GA anticipates this number could rise substantially, with projections indicating that as many as 2,300 jobs could be generated across casinos, betting shops, and Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) in the coming years. This growth supports broader national objectives of employment creation and economic diversification.

BetXplosion, one of the newly licensed operators, has committed to channeling a minimum of five per cent of its annual Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These efforts will focus on key social areas such as youth development, education, health awareness, and sports, demonstrating the potential for gambling revenues to contribute positively to community upliftment.

In line with its mandate to promote responsible gambling, the GA is also conducting a comprehensive national study on gambling prevalence, including online gaming and at-risk behaviour. Findings from the research will inform future regulatory decisions and shape strategies to mitigate potential social harms.

GA Board Chairman Marvin Torto emphasised the Authority’s shift towards becoming a facilitative regulator, highlighting efforts to reduce regulatory hurdles and deepen stakeholder engagement. He urged operators like BetXplosion to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring tools to detect irregular player behavior, flag problem gambling, and identify potential Anti-Money Laundering (AML) risks. Torto stressed that embracing such technologies will help protect consumers and strengthen industry integrity.

Botswana’s move follows broader regional trends, such as Brazil's recent issuance of 21 new betting licences, reflecting a growing focus on formalising and responsibly managing the gambling sector across emerging markets.