Moruntshi Kemorwale, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Gambling Authority, addressed the media at the AVANI Hotel, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to fair, safe, and responsible gambling as the sector continues to grow.
“This year, we celebrate a decade of the Gambling Authority ten years of protecting the public, regulating the industry, and ensuring that gambling contributes positively to our nation,” Kemorwale stated. “Our work is deliberate, not accidental. We are here to safeguard the public interest and promote integrity in a rapidly growing industry.”
The Authority has made significant progress in its mission, implementing a national Responsible Gambling Programme, which has successfully reduced problem gambling rates from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025. Through its ongoing Motshameko o Phepha campaign, the Authority has reached 173 of 500 targeted sites in just two and a half months, aiming to educate players and curb harmful gambling practices. Various strategies such as roadshows, pamphlets, social media influencers, and community engagement have been essential in spreading the message: “Let’s gamble responsibly.”
Kemorwale also issued a warning about the dangers of gambling mentors and influencers operating illegally, misleading people with false promises of wealth. “This is wrong. We are working closely with the police to put an end to it. We recently apprehended one such individual, and he has since apologized,” he asserted firmly.
As the industry evolves with digital platforms, mobile payments, and new gaming technologies, the Gambling Authority is preparing to adopt a modernized regulatory approach. This includes introducing stronger safeguards, enhancing consumer protection, and exploring a central electronic monitoring system to stay ahead of potential risks.
“Our responsibility is clear: gambling must be fair, transparent, and socially responsible. If it isn’t, it can quietly destroy families, communities, and livelihoods,” Kemorwale emphasized. “We are on top of our game, but complacency is not an option. If you snooze, you lose.”
Despite the rapid growth of the industry where gross gambling revenue is projected to hit P1 billion this year, the Authority remains focused on enforcement, licensing compliance, and stakeholder engagement. “We are not here to punish by default. We aim to guide, engage, and build capacity to ensure operators do right by the public,” Kemorwale concluded.
As Botswana’s gambling industry celebrates ten years under a dedicated regulatory authority, Kemorwale’s message is clear: the Gambling Authority is a leader in promoting responsible gaming, committed to balancing opportunity with protection to ensure the industry thrives without harm.
