Gambling Authority seeks qualified investors to expand regulated gaming infrastructure across key tourism and economic regions

The Gambling Authority of Botswana has invited qualified investors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development and operation of new bingo and casino establishments across the country.

The initiative is aimed at assessing investor interest, identifying operators with the necessary technical and financial capabilities, and providing the Authority with information to support future licensing decisions. The move signals Botswana’s intention to further develop its regulated gambling sector while attracting investment into gaming facilities across strategically selected tourism and economic regions.

Under the EOI process, casino licenses are being considered for locations identified as important tourism and economic centers. The proposed casino development areas include Maun, Kasane/Pandamatenga and the Central District. These locations could provide investors with opportunities to develop gaming establishments that complement Botswana’s broader tourism and hospitality infrastructure.

Maun is an important gateway to the Okavango Delta and has a strong tourism profile, while Kasane is a major tourism destination because of its proximity to key attractions and its position as an important travel hub in the region. The selection of these locations indicates that the Authority is considering gaming development within the wider context of tourism, hospitality and economic activity.

The EOI also provides opportunities for investors interested in establishing bingo operations. Unlike the casino category, which focuses on selected locations, the proposed bingo licenses cover a much wider geographical area. The identified districts include Central, Kweneng, Kgatleng, North-East, South-East, Southern, Kgalagadi, Ghanzi, North-West and Chobe.

The broad distribution of potential bingo licenses could create opportunities for regulated gaming across multiple parts of Botswana. It may also allow the Authority to assess how different gaming formats can operate within specific local markets while remaining aligned with the country’s licensing and location framework.

The EOI process is not solely intended to measure the number of companies interested in entering Botswana’s gaming market. The Gambling Authority is also seeking information about the technical and financial capacity of prospective operators. Potential investors are therefore expected to demonstrate that they have the resources, expertise and operational capabilities required to establish and manage gaming facilities responsibly.

These requirements are important for maintaining standards within a regulated gambling environment. Operators entering the market must be capable of meeting regulatory obligations while maintaining commercially sustainable businesses. Another key objective of the initiative is to help the Gambling Authority understand market interest ahead of future licensing processes.

Information gathered through the EOI could give the regulator a clearer picture of the number and type of investors interested in specific locations. It could also help the Authority assess the commercial viability of proposed developments and determine how gaming facilities could be appropriately distributed across the country.

The process therefore represents an early-stage assessment of market interest as Botswana considers the future development of its casino and bingo sectors. The development of new licensed gaming establishments could contribute to the growth of Botswana’s formal gambling economy.

A well-regulated gaming sector can generate economic activity through investment, employment, tourism and related hospitality services. New casinos and bingo venues could also create opportunities for local businesses operating in accommodation, entertainment, food services and other tourism-related areas.

However, market expansion must be accompanied by effective regulatory oversight. As more operators enter the sector, the Gambling Authority will have an important role in ensuring that licensees comply with applicable legislation, responsible gambling requirements and operational standards.

The expansion of gaming facilities must therefore be supported by appropriate consumer protection measures and strong regulatory controls. The Gambling Authority has outlined specific requirements for investors participating in the EOI process. Submissions sent by postal mail, fax, Telex or telefax will not be accepted. Late or incomplete submissions will also be rejected.

Prospective applicants seeking clarification have been instructed to submit questions or requests through the designated licensing email at least two working days before the submission deadline. The Authority has also stated that its staff are prohibited from providing verbal clarification regarding the EOI.

The requirement is intended to maintain consistency and fairness throughout the process by ensuring that prospective applicants receive information through the appropriate formal channels. The EOI could represent a significant opportunity for Botswana’s regulated gambling sector.

For domestic and international investors, the initiative provides an opportunity to explore entry into a regulated market with designated areas for casino and bingo developments. For the government and the Gambling Authority, attracting capable investors could support the expansion of the regulated gaming industry while contributing to broader economic activity.

The focus on specific development areas also provides a structured approach to market expansion, taking location and market conditions into consideration. Botswana’s latest EOI demonstrates the Gambling Authority’s intention to carefully assess the next phase of the country’s casino and bingo market.

By seeking expressions of interest ahead of future licensing decisions, the regulator can evaluate investor appetite, assess technical and financial capacity, and gather market intelligence to support effective planning. The proposed casino locations of Maun, Kasane/Pandamatenga and the Central District, alongside the extensive list of districts identified for bingo development, could create new investment opportunities across Botswana.

For prospective operators, the process provides an opportunity to position themselves for participation in future licensing rounds. For Botswana, it could mark another step towards developing a broader, structured and well-regulated gaming industry while linking gambling investment with the country’s wider economic and tourism ambitions.