Restricted Casinos in Botswana

The Director of General of the Botswana Gambling Commission, Thulisizwe Johnson, commented on this process:

Gambling will give a new impetus to the development of the country’s economy. In order for foreign operators to obtain our license, they are required to obtain permission from the state regulator, provide a report on their company, and hire local people.

According to the report of the Botswana Commission on Gambling, in 2016 the gross gambling revenue is BWP 225.2 million (USD 21.2 million).

The main and current law on gambling in Botswana was adopted in 2012, and the introduction of new legislation will make sure that the country’s gambling industry fully meets international requirements and is controlled.

Under the new legislation, the Gambling Addiction Prevention Foundation and the Rehabilitation Committee will be established. The Gambling Authority is obliged to introduce regulation rules and is responsible for the Gaming Control Committee.

All types of bets must be legalized. We take responsibility for the regulation of existing casinos, including online institutions, which are not currently controlled at all. The Gambling Office will also be responsible for controlling money laundering by operators, that is, in case of non-compliance with the rules, the operator will lose not only reputation, but will also be deprived of a license. The new requirements will significantly reduce the number of underground clubs and protect licensed operators of land and virtual casinos, bookmakers, lotteries and other gambling – said Thuli Johnson, general manager of the Botswana Gambling Authority.

Soon, acceptance of requests for gambling licenses in Botswana will begin. According to the new legislation, the registration fee has the following meanings:

• $ 22.5 thousand for the casino;
• $ 90 thousand – for lotteries;
• $ 4,5 thousand – for bookmakers;
• $ 900 for bingo.

To date, only casinos are controlled in the Botswana gambling industry, which only 10 establishments operate on the territory of the country. Show less