Gambling and online casinos in Botswana

Botswana is one of the most economically resilient and law-abiding states in Africa, where gambling is legal and carefully regulated by law.

The country, known for its political stability and transparent business climate, has made gambling part of the tourism and entertainment industry, and has also begun to actively develop online casinos and the digital betting sector.

---

Historical context

The first gambling licence in Botswana was issued in 1986 when Gaborone Sun Casino (now Avani Gaborone Resort) opened in Gaborone.

The government subsequently passed the Casino Act 1992, which legalised gambling and created a mechanism to control it.

In 2012, a national regulator was established -

Gambling Authority of Botswana (GA), which licenses, supervises and protects the rights of players.

---

Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by the following acts:

• Casino Act 1992 - the basics of licensing and taxation of casinos;
• Lotteries and Betting Act 2012 - lottery and betting procedure;
• Gambling Act 2014 is a modern regulatory framework that includes online gambling.

Regulator: Gambling Authority of Botswana (GA)

under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Main provisions:

• licenses are mandatory for all operators;
• license validity period - 5 years;
• gross gaming income tax (GGR) - 20% for casinos and 25% for online platforms;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• online gambling is allowed under a separate eGaming license.

The state actively encourages the development of responsible gambling and attracts foreign investors, including from South Africa and the UK.

---

Legal forms of gambling

All major gambling activities are permitted in Botswana:

• casinos and gaming halls;
• bookmakers and betting shops;
• national lottery;
• bingo and virtual games;
• online gambling (licensed by GA).

Major operators:

• Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino is the country's flagship casino;
• Grand Palm Hotel Casino (Gaborone);
• Marang Casino (Francisstown);
• Hollywoodbets Botswana and Betway Botswana are the leading online bookmakers;
• Botswana National Lottery is a state lottery launched in 2020.

Casinos in the country operate legally and attract both local players and tourists from South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

---

Online gambling

Online gambling in Botswana has been officially allowed since 2014, and since 2021, the Gambling Authority has begun issuing electronic licenses.

The regulator seeks to ensure the safety of players and transparency of operators, and also introduces technological solutions to combat fraud.

Main directions:

• sports betting (football, basketball, tennis, cricket);
• online slots and board games;
• live casino and poker;
• virtual leagues and esports.

Popular platforms:

• Betway, Hollywoodbets, 22Bet, SportyBet, BC. Game;
• local brands: Bet Botswana, PalmBet Africa.

Payment systems:

• Orange Money, Mascom MyZaka, Absa Bank Transfers, FNB eWallet;
• cryptocurrencies and Visa/Mastercard for international platforms.

According to Africa iGaming Review 2024, about 120,000 players use online gambling in Botswana, and the total market turnover is estimated at $60 million per year, of which about 65% is mobile betting.

---

Economic role

The gambling industry is part of Botswana's economic strategy focused on developing tourism and digital services.

Key indicators (2024):

• contribution to GDP - 1.4%;
• tax revenues - about $12 million;
• employment - more than 2,500 people;
• the online segment grows annually by 15-18%.

The state sees gambling as a tool for diversifying an economy traditionally dependent on diamond mining.

---

Social and cultural context

Botswana is a democratic and moderately religious society, where gambling is perceived as a form of leisure, and not as a threat to moral foundations.

At the same time, the state strictly monitors the responsible game.

The regulator requires operators to:

• implementing deposit limits and game time;
• Dependency warnings
• refusal of advertising aimed at minors.

---

Prospects

Botswana is moving towards the status of a regional licensing centre for online gambling, with plans to attract international operators and investors.

Key areas until 2030:

• launch of the national eGaming platform;
• development of fintech integration and crypto payments;
• the establishment of tourist "casino zones" in Gaborone and Kasan;
• participation in the regional regulatory system SADC iGaming Framework.

Forecast: by 2030, Botswana's gambling market will exceed $150 million, and online gambling will occupy more than 70% of the turnover.

---

Botswana is one of the most progressive African countries in legal gambling.

Transparent rules have been established here, a modern regulator is in place, and the development of online games and mobile technologies opens up new perspectives.