The Gambling Board of Namibia (GBN) faces challenges in implementing proposed reforms as it is currently not fully operational, according to Indileni Daniel, the nation’s Environment, Forestry and Tourism minister. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) hosted workshops in October aimed at gathering feedback, with submissions from these regional consultations expected to be compiled in Windhoek before moving forward in the gazetting process.
One significant change proposed is the introduction of new operator fees that will enhance oversight through a central electronic monitoring system (CEMS). As reported by NBC from the Keetmanshoop validation workshop, GBN has begun procurement for a real-time CEMS in line with section 90 of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act of 2018. This system aims to track and report gambling activities and transactions of licensed establishments, coinciding with plans for an automated licensing platform. The deadline for these tenders has been extended to November 5.
Additionally, a public notice was released for a consultation workshop scheduled for October 15, 2026, aimed at those applying for bookmaker and totalisator licenses. This workshop will address licensing requirements and the technical compliance necessary for prospective betting and wagering platforms.
Among the reforms are revamped licensing processes, which will include an electronic software lottery license designed to oversee digital and online gaming platforms. Johannes Erastus, GBN's Acting Chief Executive, indicated that this new structure was developed based on research and benchmarking.
"Our laws, specifically the Act, require the boards to align with international best practices and engage with regional and international colleagues and jurisdictions to inform and assist us in shaping the Namibian gambling space," said Erastus.
Ben Shikongo, chairperson of the GBN, emphasized the necessity of formal licensing: "We don’t just need to always do informal business. We need to be licensed so that we can have a genuine business." He further urged the government to speed up the gazetting of the new fees, which he noted had been high in the past, during the workshop in Keetmanshoop.
Currently, according to the 2021 regulations, holders of casino, gambling house, bar gambling, and shebeen gambling licenses are required to pay a 10% levy on net monthly income. This net income is defined as gambling income minus winnings paid out, excluding earnings from other sales. For totalisator licenses, a separate levy of 10% applies to gross monthly takings.
However, the success of these reforms hinges on a fully operational regulator, which Daniel claimed is still not able to fulfill its complete mandate due to staffing shortages. This gap impacts not only licensing but also consumer education and rehabilitation initiatives. Moreover, it hampers the regulation of gambling houses and online platforms, as well as the collection of fees and levies, as noted by the Namibian Sun.
Daniel remarked, "Effective regulation, especially for online gambling, is currently a challenge at the moment, not only in Namibia but globally." No applications are being processed for activities that the current Act prohibits, with significant distinctions made in the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act regarding online games versus bets placed through communication technology.
In past statements, Daniel indicated that inadequate oversight is costing Namibia revenue and presenting social risks related to gambling. MEFT deputy executive director Seimy Shidute expressed that amendments to the regulations are essential to adapt to global technological developments and digitization trends.
Government revenue data reflects what has been collected rather than the total size of Namibia’s gambling market. The Ministry of Finance’s report for 2023/24 specified a target of NAD5 million for annual gambling income levies, yet zero collections were recorded for that amount. In contrast, Daniel reported to parliament that NAD17 million had been collected for the Gambling Trust Fund.
These reforms also align with increased tax enforcement efforts; in March, it was reported that the Namibia Revenue Agency had signed an agreement with GBN to access data on gambling operators and winnings. Revenue commissioner Sam Shivute emphasized the importance of data in ensuring compliance with tax obligations.
Next steps include consolidating the feedback from regional workshops in Windhoek before progressing to the next phase. The path forward will depend on whether regulations can be gazetted or if primary legislation amendments necessitate parliamentary approval. Ultimately, successful implementation of the proposed changes will rely on the GBN's ability to address its staffing deficiencies and enhance its capacity for regulatory enforcement, as the current overhaul remains conceptual until the regulator becomes fully operational.
