The Gambling Board of Namibia (GBN) is still in the early stages of operational readiness, as highlighted by Indileni Daniel, the nation's Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister. Workshops organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) took place in October, and the feedback from these regional sessions will be compiled in Windhoek in preparation for the next phase of the gazetting process regarding gambling reforms.
Among the proposed changes is a new system for monitoring gambling activities, featuring increased operator fees aimed at enhancing oversight through a central electronic monitoring system (CEMS). According to a report from NBC on the validation workshop in Keetmanshoop, the GBN has initiated the tendering process for a remote, real-time CEMS under the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 2018. This system will be instrumental in recording and reporting gambling activities and transactions from licensed operations, while also facilitating an automated licensing platform. The deadline for these tenders has been pushed to November 5.
In addition to the monitoring system, the GBN has also announced a consultation workshop scheduled for October 15, 2026, aimed at prospective applicants for bookmaker and totalisator licenses. This workshop will address licensing requirements and the technical compliance needed for intended betting and wagering platforms. Other proposed reforms include updated licensing and registration protocols, which will introduce an electronic software lottery license that regulates digital and online gaming platforms.
GBN’s Acting Chief Executive, Johannes Erastus, indicated that the reform structure is rooted in thorough research and comparison with international standards. He emphasized the need for the laws to align with global best practices and to consult with regional and international counterparts to shape Namibia's gambling landscape. During the Keetmanshoop workshop, GBN chairperson Ben Shikongo highlighted the importance of formal licensing, stating, "We don’t just need to always do informal business. We need to be licensed so that we can have a genuine business." He urged the government to accelerate the process of gazetting fees that were previously deemed excessive.
Under the current regulations from 2021, holders of casino, gambling house, bar gambling, and shebeen gambling licenses are required to pay a levy equal to 10% of their net monthly income. This formula defines net income as gambling revenue minus winnings, excluding money made from food, alcohol, and other non-gambling sources. Totalisator license holders face a distinct levy of 10% based on their gross monthly takings.
However, these reform efforts hinge on a regulatory body that is reportedly under strain. Minister Daniel informed parliament that the GBN is not yet fully operational due to ongoing recruitment for staff. This staffing shortage is posing challenges not only to the licensing process but also to consumer education and rehabilitation initiatives. The lack of personnel has impacted the regulation of gambling houses and online platforms, along with the collection of fees and levies. Daniel remarked on the global challenges of effective regulation in the online gambling sector, stating, "Effective regulation, especially for online gambling, is currently a challenge at the moment, not only in Namibia but globally." She further noted that no license applications are currently being reviewed for activities that are restricted under the existing legislation. The distinction is essential since the current Gaming and Entertainment Control Act differentiates online games from bets made through communication technologies with bookmakers or totalisators.
In February, Daniel acknowledged that insufficient oversight has resulted in lost revenue for Namibia and increased social risks related to gambling. MEFT deputy executive director Seimy Shidute argued for necessary amendments to keep pace with global trends including digital advancements and new technologies.
Current government revenue data illuminates the existing contributions from the sector, despite not fully representing the total size of Namibia’s gambling market. The Ministry of Finance's accountability report for 2023/24 indicated a goal of NAD5 million from annual gambling income levies, with no collections reported thus far. Daniel later confirmed that NAD17 million has been raised for the Gambling Trust Fund.
The reform proposals also coincide with stricter tax enforcement measures. Reports from March indicated that the Namibia Revenue Agency has formed a partnership with the GBN to access information about gambling operators and winnings. Revenue commissioner Sam Shivute stated their approach to collect and verify data to ensure proper tax compliance within the industry.
Next steps involve consolidating feedback from regional workshops in Windhoek before the proposals proceed. The legal requirements for implementation will determine the necessary gazetting of regulations or any amendments to primary legislation, which must go through parliamentary processes. Ultimately, the viability of these reforms will depend on the GBN’s ability to fill staffing vacancies and develop the necessary enforcement capabilities. For now, the proposed changes remain a vision for modernization rather than a fully operational framework, pending activation from a regulator that, according to the minister, is still not fully functional.
