Namibia is moving ahead with reform proposals in the gambling sector, but significant challenges remain regarding the operational capacity of the Gambling Board of Namibia (GBN). Indileni Daniel, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, noted that the GBN is not yet fully operational, which is critical for the implementation of new regulations.
Throughout October, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism conducted workshops where regional submissions were collected. These submissions are set to be compiled in Windhoek before advancing to the official gazetting process.
Among the proposed changes is the introduction of a central electronic monitoring system (CEMS), which aims to strengthen oversight through new operator fees, as discussed during the Keetmanshoop validation workshop. The GBN has already initiated the process for procuring a real-time CEMS in accordance with section 90 of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018. This system will be responsible for recording and reporting gambling activities at licensed operations, and will also include an automated licensing platform. The deadline for tenders pertaining to both aspects has been pushed to November 5.
Additionally, the GBN has scheduled a public consultation workshop for October 15, 2026, aimed at license applicants for bookmakers and totalisators. This session will detail the regulatory requirements and technical compliance needed for proposed betting platforms. The reform proposals consider revised licensing arrangements, including an electronic lottery license intended for regulating digital and online gaming platforms.
Acting Chief Executive of GBN, Johannes Erastus, emphasized that the proposed structure is aligned with international best practices. "Our laws require us to engage with regional and international jurisdictions to properly shape the Namibian gambling landscape," he stated. GBN Chairperson Ben Shikongo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity for formalized 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."
Shikongo also urged the government to expedite the gazetting of fees that had previously been set too high. Currently, under 2021 regulations, the holders of licenses for casinos, gambling houses, and bar gambling establishments face a levy of 10% of their net monthly income, defined as gambling earnings after payouts. Totalisator license holders are subject to a separate levy of 10% of gross takings.
However, the full realization of these reforms hinges on the GBN, which Daniel noted cannot currently fulfill its mandate due to staffing shortages. This gap affects numerous areas, including consumer education and the regulation of existing gambling platforms. Daniel acknowledged the global challenges in effectively regulating online gambling and pointed out that no applications are currently being processed for activities prohibited under the existing Act. This distinction is crucial since the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act treats online games differently from bets communicated through conventional channels.
In a recent report, Daniel highlighted that inadequate oversight has led to lost revenue for Namibia and increased social risks for citizens. Seimy Shidute, MEFT's deputy executive director, stressed the need for amendments to adapt to global developments in digital technology.
Despite the reforms, government revenue from the gambling sector has been minimal. The Ministry of Finance's report for the 2023/24 fiscal year indicated an annual target of NAD5 million from gambling levies, with no collections reported to date. However, Daniel mentioned that NAD17 million has been accumulated for the Gambling Trust Fund so far.
The proposed reforms are also occurring alongside heightened tax enforcement initiatives. The Namibia Revenue Agency has formed an agreement with the GBN to gain access to gambling operator data, enhancing compliance monitoring. Revenue commissioner Sam Shivute explained, "We will compare this data with tax records and address any discrepancies to ensure correct tax payments."
Next steps involve consolidating feedback from the regional workshops in Windhoek before moving forward. Depending on what measures are adopted, regulations may need to be gazetted, while amendments to primary legislation will require parliamentary review. The effectiveness of these proposals relies on the GBN's ability to address staffing challenges and develop the capacity necessary for enforcing the new regulatory framework. At present, these proposed reforms remain undeveloped, highlighting the pressing need for a fully operational regulatory body.
