The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), in collaboration with the Gambling Authority of Botswana, has launched a global awareness campaign to help consumers identify and avoid unlicensed online gambling websites and apps.
The campaign aims to educate consumers about the risks of using unlicensed gambling platforms and encourage them to verify whether online betting sites are licensed and authorized to operate in their jurisdiction before placing a wager. Consumers can visit www.gamblingauthority.co.bw to check the licensing status of online betting sites in Botswana.
In a press statement issued on 11 November 2026, the organizations said the initiative was introduced in response to the growing risks and deceptive nature of unlicensed gambling websites and apps. Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeone Ntsima, has previously highlighted the dangers posed by illegal gambling platforms, particularly to young people.
“Illegal gambling platforms present serious dangers, especially for young people as they exploit their vulnerabilities and lack the safeguards to prevent gambling addiction. Without such intervention, Botswana risks a surge in addiction and financial instability among its youth,” Ntsima said.
“Illegal gambling websites are increasing in number, becoming more sophisticated, more visible, and making it harder for consumers to distinguish them from legitimate operators,” said Brian Kroklic, President of IAGR.
“Given the border-less nature of the internet, regulators need coordinated tools that help consumers make informed decisions before they wager. IAGR is launching this awareness campaign and website to give consumers resources to help keep them and their wagers safe,” he added.
As part of the initiative, IAGR and the Gambling Authority will introduce a series of digital consumer-education messages highlighting the risks of unlicensed gambling. The campaign will explain how such platforms can appear familiar and legitimate while lacking the protections and safeguards offered by properly licensed operators.
Through the Gambling Authority’s website, consumers can check whether an online gambling platform is licensed in Botswana. The organizations noted that licensing status varies by jurisdiction, meaning a website authorized to operate in one location may not be permitted to offer gambling services in another.
The website’s results are based on regulatory records and other verified, publicly available sources.
Gambling Authority CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale highlighted the importance of public education in helping consumers understand responsible gambling and recognize the risks associated with unlicensed platforms.
“Responsible Gambling is everyone’s responsibility. We must protect our young people, support licensed operators and stop illegal gambling from draining our economy. Together we can build a safer, more responsible gambling environment for Botswana,” Kemorwale said.
IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally also emphasized the importance of checking an operator’s licensing status rather than relying on familiarity with its website or brand.
“We want gamblers to enjoy themselves while remaining safe, and that starts with knowing whether the site they are using is licensed in the jurisdiction; unlicensed is unprotected,” Mullally said.
He added that consumers may mistake familiarity with a website for evidence that its operator is properly licensed. Some illegal operators, he noted, deliberately design their platforms to appear familiar and credible with the intention of misleading gamblers.
“Our simple and free-to-use website allows consumers to instantly check the URL and gamble with confidence,” he said.
IAGR said its position as a global association of gaming regulators makes it well placed to support an international educational campaign that helps consumers make informed decisions about the gambling websites they use, regardless of where they live.
The association also warned that using unlicensed gambling websites may leave consumers without access to dispute resolution or other forms of recourse, expose their personal and financial information to fraudsters, and deprive them of responsible gambling protections. For additional information, consumers can visit www.gamblingauthority.co.bw or contact the Authority at info@gamblingauthority.co.bw.
About the International Association of Gaming Regulators
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is a regulator-led association dedicated to improving the effectiveness of gaming regulatory bodies. Botswana is a member of the association. IAGR helps regulators exchange knowledge, strengthen regulatory capabilities and collaborate on shared challenges through education, information sharing and international cooperation.
