As online sports betting platforms rapidly expand, the gambling industry in Botswana is experiencing explosive growth.
According to the latest data disclosed by the Gambling Authority, in March 2025 alone, the total amount wagered by gamblers nationwide reached 150 million Pula, with over 220,000 participants, sparking widespread concern about gambling addiction and the proliferation of illegal platforms.
Currently, about 550,000 people in Botswana gamble, but only 40% do so through legally licensed platforms, with many gamblers still active on unregulated illegal online platforms.
Since the beginning of the year, the Gambling Authority has initiated the licensing of some online sports betting operators, increasing the number of legal gambling channels and accelerating the spread of the gambling craze, especially among young people.
Peter Kasete, CEO of the Gambling Authority, stated that currently only 40% of betting occurs on regular platforms, meaning that the vast majority of gambling activities are unregulated.
He warned that illegal gambling platforms are not protected by law, not only eroding national tax revenue but also posing a serious threat to the rights and interests of gamblers.
Kasete predicts that if the current trend continues throughout the year, the legal gambling gross income could reach 180 million Pula, and if illegal gamblers can be effectively guided to legal channels, the overall annual output value of Botswana's gambling industry could exceed 450 million Pula. He pointed out that although the overall size of Botswana's gambling market is smaller than neighboring countries, its per capita gambling activity is among the highest in Southern Africa, showing great potential for growth.
The amount of gambling is also showing a rapid upward trend. From the initial "one Pula small test" to now, the amount of a single bet can be as high as 50,000 Pula or even higher, significantly increasing the betting amount of Botswana gamblers. Lanton Noah, a citizen of Botswana, said: "When people start winning prizes, their betting amounts also rise with the tide."
Not only young people have become the main force of the gambling craze, but some middle-aged and elderly groups also frequently participate in high-risk betting due to the convenience of online gambling, even using pensions and savings, causing family conflicts and social problems.
The Gambling Authority has initiated a nationwide survey to assess the prevalence of gambling and the risk of problem gambling. At the same time, the government is revising the "2002 Gambling Policy" and the "2012 Gambling Law", planning to lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 and introduce Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) provisions to strengthen the regulation of the digital gambling sector.
Kasete emphasized that only with a perfect policy system, enhanced industry compliance, and public education can Botswana's gambling industry achieve healthy and sustainable development.
Currently, new platforms such as Betway, Sunbet Botswana, PSBET, BBets, and Bet267 have officially entered the Botswana market, expanding gambling types from traditional sports to various electronic games, further stimulating gambling demand. However, the explosion of the gambling market is accompanied by great concerns, with various sectors of society worried about the spread of gambling addiction, family economic risks, and rampant illegal gambling.
