The Gambling Board of Namibia (GBN) is still not fully operational, as indicated by the Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister, Indileni Daniel. This regulator is pivotal for the planned reforms in the country's gambling laws.
In October, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) conducted workshops, and the feedback gathered will be consolidated in Windhoek prior to advancing the gazetting process.
Among the proposed amendments is the introduction of new operator fees, aimed at enhancing oversight through a central electronic monitoring system (CEMS), as reported during the validation workshop in Keetmanshoop. The GBN is in the market for a real-time CEMS, compliant with section 90 of the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 2018, which will track and report gambling activities at licensed operations. This procurement also involves an automated licensing platform. The deadline for both tenders has been extended to November 5.
Additionally, the GBN has scheduled a consultation workshop for October 15, 2026, targeting those applying for bookmaker and totalisator licenses, addressing licensing requirements and technical compliance for proposed betting platforms.
The reform proposals also suggest updates to licensing and registration procedures. These include an electronic software lottery license designed to oversee digital and online gaming platforms. GBN's Acting Chief Executive, Johannes Erastus, indicated that the proposed reforms are based on research and benchmarking.
"Our laws, specifically the Act, require the boards to align with international best practices and to engage with regional and international colleagues and jurisdictions to inform and assist us in shaping the Namibian gambling space," Erastus stated.
During the workshop in Keetmanshoop, GBN chairperson Ben Shikongo emphasized the importance of licensing for legitimate business operations. He urged the government to expedite the gazetting of proposed fees, especially those that have been excessively high.
Under regulations established in 2021, holders of casino, gambling house, bar gambling, and shebeen licenses are required to pay a 10% levy on net monthly income, which is defined as gambling income minus winnings paid out. Totalisator license holders face a separate 10% levy on gross monthly takings.
However, the proposed reforms rely on a regulator that is not yet capable of fulfilling its role fully. Minister Daniel reported to parliament that the GBN is not fully staffed, impacting not only licensing but also consumer education and rehabilitation initiatives. This shortage is creating challenges in regulating gambling houses and online platforms, hindering the collection of fees and levies. Daniel highlighted that effective regulation, especially for online gambling, remains challenging both in Namibia and internationally.
Currently, no new applications for activities prohibited under the existing Act are being processed. This restriction is significant due to the separate definitions of online gambling and traditional betting as outlined in the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act.
Back in February, Daniel mentioned that inadequate oversight was costing the country revenue and exposing citizens to social harms associated with gambling. MEFT deputy executive director, Seimy Shidute, pointed out that the amendments are essential to align with global developments, including digital innovation and emerging technologies.
Government revenue records from the sector reveal that while there is a target of NAD5 million for annual gambling income levies, the actual collection has been recorded as zero. Minister Daniel later informed parliament that NAD17 million has been accumulated thus far for the Gambling Trust Fund.
In March, it was reported that the Namibia Revenue Agency had entered into a cooperation agreement with the GBN for better oversight of gambling operations. Revenue commissioner Sam Shivute indicated that the agency would receive data on all industry players to ensure proper tax compliance.
Going forward, Shikongo noted that the feedback from regional workshops will be compiled in Windhoek before the proposals proceed to the subsequent stage. The legal process will depend on the nature of the measures adopted; regulations will require gazetting, whereas amendments to primary legislation will necessitate parliamentary approval. The final language will dictate how new fees are applied alongside existing levies. Successful implementation will hinge on the GBN's ability to recruit adequate staff and enhance its capacity to regulate the new framework. Currently, the proposed changes stand as a potential overhaul waiting for the GBN to be fully operational.
