Botswana is losing hundreds of millions of pula to illegal online gambling operators. More than P850 million was wagered on unlicensed betting platforms in just six months, according to the Gambling Authority.
The figure highlights the growing scale of Botswana’s underground online betting market. It also raises concerns about tax losses, consumer protection and underage gambling.
Gambling Authority Chief Executive Officer Moruntshi Kemorwale warned that offshore gambling platforms are increasingly targeting young people in Botswana.
Under the country’s current laws, the legal gambling age is 21. However, unlicensed online operators can allow younger users to place bets without effective age verification.
This has created a growing shadow gambling market that attracts significant amounts of money from local players while operating outside Botswana’s regulatory framework.
“More than P850 million has been spent on illegal gambling sites over the past six months,” Kemorwale said.
Unlike licensed operators, these offshore platforms do not contribute to Botswana through local taxes or employment. They also operate without the same regulatory and consumer protection requirements imposed on licensed gambling businesses.
The scale of illegal online betting has also intensified concerns about underage gambling.
With some offshore platforms offering limited age verification, young people may be able to access betting services more easily than they would through licensed operators.
The issue is particularly significant as Botswana considers changes to its gambling laws. The revelations come as Parliament considers the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to reduce the legal gambling age from 21 to 18.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the change would bring gambling regulations in line with Botswana’s age of majority.
However, critics have raised concerns that lowering the age could increase the number of young people exposed to gambling. They argue that this could become an even greater challenge while authorities are already struggling to control illegal online betting.
The Gambling Authority views illegal online gambling as more than a regulatory problem. It also represents a significant economic leakage for Botswana.
Money wagered through offshore platforms can leave the formal economy without generating tax revenue or supporting local employment.
Illegal operators can also create an uneven playing field for licensed gambling companies. Licensed businesses must meet regulatory requirements and comply with tax obligations, while offshore operators can avoid many of these costs.
The situation also creates challenges for consumer protection because local authorities have limited control over companies operating outside Botswana’s jurisdiction.
The P850 million figure shows how quickly online gambling can grow beyond traditional regulatory systems. As more players move from land-based betting to digital platforms, regulators face the challenge of monitoring operators that can reach consumers across borders.
For Botswana, the issue is likely to remain a major part of the debate around gambling regulation. Authorities must balance the development of the legal gaming industry with stronger measures to protect consumers and prevent illegal operators from exploiting gaps in enforcement.
The Gambling Authority’s warning also highlights the importance of effective age verification, stronger digital monitoring and cooperation with financial and technology companies.
As Parliament considers the proposed changes to the legal gambling age, the growing illegal betting market adds another layer to the debate. Botswana must determine how best to protect young people, support licensed operators and prevent millions of pula from continuing to flow into unregulated offshore gambling platforms.
