The Gambling Authority of Botswana has highlighted responsible gambling, consumer protection and effective regulation as key to building a trusted and competitive gambling industry, as the country’s gambling revenue reportedly reaches P1.3 billion.
The authority shared these insights at the Made in BW – Sold to the World Expo 2026, held at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in Palapye, where Chief Executive Officer Moruntshi Kemorwale discussed the growth of Botswana’s gambling market and opportunities for local game development.
Kemorwale emphasized that strong regulatory standards and consumer protection are essential for safeguarding communities while building a sustainable gambling industry capable of competing internationally. According to figures shared by the CEO at the event, approximately 30% of the population is involved in gambling, with legal betting platforms recording around 1.5 million active accounts.
He also stated that more than 1,000 games featuring betting components are played on mobile phones, presenting opportunities for local developers to create games for domestic and international markets. Kemorwale encouraged Botswana to move beyond being a consumer of games towards developing and exporting locally created products, highlighting the potential role of BIUST students in the country’s growing digital gaming sector.
He also outlined changes in Botswana’s online betting market following the licensing of online betting sites in February 2025. According to the figures presented, more than 500,000 Batswana had previously been active on illegal betting platforms, while the number of accounts on legal betting sites has since risen to approximately 1.5 million. The CEO reportedly put the number of accounts still active on illegal platforms at around 40,000.
Botswana’s gambling revenue was reported at P1.3 billion, with P181 million contributed to taxes. These figures highlight the sector’s economic significance and the importance of effective oversight to support legal operations and consumer protection. The expo also brought together government officials and other stakeholders to discuss Botswana’s economic development, manufacturing, exports and international trade.
Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Tiroeaone Ntsima addressed industrialisation through manufacturing and export development, while Onneetse Ramogapi, Member of Parliament for Palapye and Minister of Water and Human Settlement, discussed Palapye’s role in economic diversification.
Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin Gorataone Dikoloti highlighted agricultural transformation through value addition and improved market access. Lan Yuqiang, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China, discussed international trade relations and cooperation.
The Gambling Authority’s participation underscored the connection between responsible gambling, regulatory compliance and economic opportunity. As Botswana’s gambling market evolves, the authority’s message points to the importance of balancing industry development with consumer safeguards while exploring opportunities in digital gaming and international markets.
