April will see the introduction of a new gambling regulatory regime in Botswana.
New regulations approved in terms of the Gambling Act 2012 signed off by the Minister of Trade and Industry in January will be implemented at the nation’s 10 land-based casinos through a new regulatory body, the Botswana Gambling Authority, headed by CEO Thuli Johnson.
The regulations tighten control measures for the sector and cover all land-based and virtual (online and mobile) betting in Botswana, ranging from casinos, bookmakers, bingo and lotteries to racing.
“All kinds of betting will now need to be licensed,” Johnson said at a briefing. “We will be placing adverts soon for interested companies to apply for licences.
“We will take over regulation of the existing casinos in April and anyone wishing to be involved in any other kind of betting, including SMS and online, will need to be registered and licensed with the Gambling Authority first.
“The new requirements are meant to curb illegal gambling and protect the licensed operators who do not only pay tax but also have jobs to protect,” said Johnson.
