The Botswana Gambling Authority has issued a formal warning regarding misleading social media information about “Private Education and Consultation” in the gambling sector. The Authority is concerned that unauthorized individuals are offering services that violate the Gambling Act of 2012.
Under Section 5 of the Act, the Authority is responsible for regulating and controlling all gambling establishments. This includes enforcing compliance and overseeing commercial services related to gambling. Sections 97 and 102 specifically require that any person providing gambling-related services must be licensed or registered. Failure to do so is a direct violation of the law.
The Authority emphasizes a key distinction between games of chance and games of skill. Because gambling is primarily a game of chance, it does not require formal training for players. Therefore, structured training or advisory services for players cannot be licensed. Any commercial offer to teach people “how to win” or provide “betting mentorship” is considered an unlawful activity.
While player training is illegal, the industry does require professional education for its workforce. Any activity involving the training of gambling employees to acquire specific competencies must meet strict criteria. The provider must be a duly registered and licensed service provider. Furthermore, all providers must undergo “fit and proper” assessments to ensure they meet the highest standards of probity.
The public is advised that offering or participating in betting lessons or mentorship programs is a criminal offense under Regulation 112(1)(b). If you participate in these activities—or use information from them to gamble—you face significant legal consequences under Section 121. These include fines of up to P5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or even both in severe cases.
You do not need to pay for private “mentorship” to understand how games work. Licensed operators are legally obligated to provide the Rules of the Game for every activity they offer for play. If you have questions about how a specific betting game operates, you should always seek information directly from the licensed operator at the establishment.
