Botswana's National Assembly has approved the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes lowering the legal gambling age from 21 to 18, alongside updating the regulatory framework for the country's gaming industry.
The bill passed its third reading on August 13, following a thorough debate and clause-by-clause consideration during committee discussions. However, it has not yet received presidential assent and is not in force.
If enacted, the bill will amend the Gambling Authority Act (Cap. 19:03), with the provisions taking effect on a date set by the responsible minister through an order published in the Government Gazette.
The age reduction sparked robust debate, with opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) advocating for the retention of the existing minimum age. Despite this, the bill moved forward, keeping Clause 2, which changes references in the Act from “the age of 21” to “the age of 18”.
Currently, Botswana’s legal gambling age stands at 21. Supporters of the amendment contend that individuals aged 18 to 20 are regarded as adults in other facets of life, arguing that a higher gambling age may drive young adults to unregulated sites.
During the committee discussions, Major General Pius Mokgware, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, urged parliament not to adopt unenforceable legislation. “Do not have legislations which you cannot enforce, it is dangerous,” he stated.
Moshupa/Manyana MP Karabo Gare expressed opposition to lowering the age limit, arguing that 18-year-olds are not equipped to make informed gambling decisions, making them susceptible to addiction. Similarly, Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga insisted on maintaining the minimum age of 21, citing the vulnerability of younger adults to gambling exposure.
In January, Acting Gambling Authority CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale reported a decline in problem gambling from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025, attributing this to the National Responsible Gambling Programme and nationwide education efforts. Kemorwale emphasized the Authority’s role in safeguarding the public and ensuring that gambling serves to benefit Botswana, while also combatting illegal promoters making deceptive claims.
The ongoing discourse about the legal gambling age coincides with the Gambling Authority's intensified warnings regarding illegal online betting. During the 2026 South East Region Staff Excellence Awards in Gaborone, Kemorwale highlighted that unlicensed platforms were funneling an estimated P850 million ($63.2 million) out of Botswana's economy, exposing youth to unregulated gambling. He labeled the rapid rise of illegal online betting as one of the industry's gravest challenges.
The bill aims to align the Gambling Authority Act more effectively with the Financial Intelligence Act and international Financial Action Task Force standards, with a focus on strengthening anti-money laundering provisions. Changes include assessments for beneficial ownership, Know Your Customer requirements, and conditions for acquiring significant financial interests.
Additionally, the proposed legislation mandates that most license holders connect their gambling devices to the Gambling Authority's monitoring system, while casinos and bingo operators must implement their monitoring systems.
The bill increases penalties, establishing a maximum fine of P100,000 and possible imprisonment for up to five years for contraventions. Moreover, it requires the Gambling Authority to allow licensees a chance to respond before suspending or revoking licenses.
Concerns about responsible gambling emerged repeatedly during the parliamentary debate. Dr. Wynter Mmolotsi, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, advocated for a specialized rehabilitation facility for individuals grappling with gambling-related issues. He recommended the introduction of systems to track extended gambling sessions and betting behaviors to identify potential addiction patterns.
Kgatleng Central MP Mpho Morolong emphasized that gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment, rather than a financial solution. He stated, “Gambling should be taught as entertainment rather than a way to make money.”
Botswana's regulated gambling market has rapidly evolved, following the Gambling Authority's licensing process for bookmaker and totalisator operators in 2023. In January 2024, the Authority identified about 510,000 instances of illegal online gambling participation among Botswanans, prior to the launch of locally licensed online operators.
Sunbet Botswana introduced its online sports betting platform in February 2025, showcasing a reported 4,700% increase in registrations within its first month. The Authority documented that licensed operators accepted P150 million in wagers in March 2025, distributing P135 million in winnings and generating P15 million in gross revenue. It is estimated that only 40% of Botswana's roughly 550,000 active bettors were utilizing licensed operators, indicating significant demand remained with unregulated sites.
By December 2025, Kemorwale stated that gambling revenue had surpassed P700 million, with expectations of exceeding P1 billion by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. He noted the demand for enhanced oversight as the sector expands, including a central electronic monitoring system and strengthened enforcement capabilities. “Truth be told, this industry is evolving as the sun rises. You snooze, you lose,” Kemorwale added, acknowledging the reliance on external specialists due to limited local expertise.
Illegal betting continues to be a significant enforcement issue. Reports in December 2025 indicated investigations into eight foreign betting websites allegedly operating in Botswana through local proxies. Authorities are collaborating with communications and financial entities to restrict access to these illegal platforms and disrupt their payment systems.
Now that the parliamentary vote has been completed, attention shifts toward obtaining presidential assent, defining commencement dates, and implementing the new regulations. The Gambling Authority is tasked with ensuring that the proposed reforms translate into enhanced oversight, actionable measures against unlicensed operators, and effective consumer protections.
