Botswana's National Assembly has approved the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aims to reduce the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 and revamp the regulatory framework for the rapidly growing industry. This decision came during a third reading on August 13 after a thorough debate and clause-by-clause evaluation during the committee stage. The bill is awaiting confirmation of presidential assent before it can take effect.
If enacted, the bill will amend the Gambling Authority Act (Cap. 19:03), with its provisions implemented on a date set by the responsible minister through an official order in the Government Gazette.
The age change sparked significant debate, as many opposition members argued for maintaining the current minimum age of 21. However, the proposal passed with Clause 2, which modifies the Act to read “the age of 18” instead of “the age of 21.” Currently, Botswana's legal gambling age is 21, but the amendment intends to align it with the country’s general age of majority.
Proponents of lowering the legal age contend that individuals aged 18 to 20 are already recognized as adults in various aspects of life, suggesting that enforcing a higher gambling age could nudge some toward unlicensed gambling sites. During the discussions, Major General Pius Mokgware, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, cautioned against creating unenforceable laws, emphasizing the dangers of such legislative missteps.
Opposing views were expressed by Moshupa/Manyana MP Karabo Gare, who highlighted concerns over young adults' ability to make informed decisions, arguing that lowering the age could lead to increased gambling addiction. Similarly, Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga echoed this sentiment, advocating for the retention of the existing age limit.
The challenges of illegal betting also influence discussions surrounding gambling regulations. In January, Acting CEO of the Gambling Authority, Moruntshi Kemorwale, reported a decline in problem gambling from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025, which he credited to the regulator’s National Responsible Gambling Programme and educational efforts.
Kemorwale reiterated the Authority’s mandate to safeguard the public while allowing gambling to contribute positively to Botswana's economy. He also noted ongoing collaboration with law enforcement to tackle illegal betting operators who make false promises of wealth.
The legal age dispute comes amid warnings from the Gambling Authority about the surge in illegal online wagering, with Kemorwale pointing out that unlicensed platforms are siphoning approximately P850 million ($63.2 million) from Botswana’s economy annually, with vulnerable populations at risk from unregulated gambling.
The amendment bill also seeks to enhance anti-money laundering measures by aligning the Gambling Authority Act with the Financial Intelligence Act and Financial Action Task Force guidelines. The bill intends to strengthen requirements around beneficial ownership, financial interests, and customer verification methods. Most license holders would need to connect gambling devices to the Gambling Authority's monitoring system, while casino and bingo licensees would establish their monitoring systems.
To increase accountability, the proposed legislation will impose harsher penalties, raising the maximum fine for certain violations to P100,000 and allowing for imprisonment of up to five years. Licensees will have the opportunity to contest decisions to suspend or revoke licenses before such actions are taken.
Concerns regarding responsible gambling were consistently emphasized during parliamentary sessions. Dr. Wynter Mmolotsi, Minister of Environment and Tourism, advocated for the establishment of a specialized rehabilitation facility for those affected by gambling issues. He suggested adopting systems that identify patterns of prolonged gambling sessions to prevent harm.
Kgatleng Central MP Mpho Morolong stressed that gambling should be perceived as entertainment rather than a financial solution.
Botswana’s regulated gambling market is undergoing rapid expansion following the Gambling Authority’s 2023 licensing process for bookmaker and totalisator operators, including online betting. Ahead of legal online operations in January 2024, the Authority observed about 510,000 instances of illegal online gambling among citizens.
In February 2025, Sunbet Botswana launched its online sports-betting platform, reporting a staggering 4,700% increase in user registrations during its inaugural month—a figure that remains unverified as the company did not disclose baseline data. The regulator reported that licensed operators handled P150 million in bets in March 2025, paid out P135 million in winnings, and realized a gross gambling revenue of P15 million. Despite this growth, only around 40% of an estimated 550,000 active bettors are engaging with licensed operators, signaling vast demand still directed towards unregulated venues.
By December 2025, Kemorwale revealed that gambling revenue had surpassed P700 million, with expectations of crossing P1 billion by March 2027. He stressed the need for modernized oversight to adapt to the evolving industry, including an integrated electronic monitoring system and improved enforcement strategies. Kemorwale acknowledged limitations in domestic expertise in regulatory work, relying on external specialists when necessary.
Illegal betting continues to be a major concern, with investigations underway into eight foreign betting platforms allegedly operating locally with proxies. Authorities are collaborating with communications and financial sectors to restrict access to these illegal sites and block associated payment channels.
As the legislative process moves forward, focus will now shift to securing presidential assent and implementing the proposed changes. The Gambling Authority will be tasked with enhancing digital oversight, tackling unlicensed operations, and ensuring customer protections as Botswana’s regulated gambling market continues to evolve.
